Compare 52 Flight Instructor. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $76,297. Top programs: $106,001+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Flight Instructor tells a different story. Across 50 programs, earnings range from $66,019 to $118,920—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's Flight Instructor program leads with graduates earning $118,920, nearly double the $60,153 average across all programs. Utah Valley University follows at $80,991, demonstrating how regional universities compete effectively in specialized aviation training regardless of broader institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Eastern New Mexico University graduates borrow $16,500 and face just a 2.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $118,920
Strong outcomes with 55% acceptance
2.3% payment burden | Excellent
4.5% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Utah Valley UniversityPublic | $106,001 | 212 | $14,750 | Excellent | $9,582 | Excellent |
| #2 | $104,472 | 298 | $22,057 | Excellent | $14,269 | Excellent | |
| #3 | Utah State UniversityPublic | $103,989 | 51 | $14,340 | Excellent | $13,923 | Excellent |
| #4 | $103,858 | 75 | $21,106 | Excellent | $13,695 | Excellent | |
| #5 | $103,617 | 30 | $16,500 | Excellent | $13,200 | Excellent | |
| #6 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $102,096 | 440 | $24,500 | Excellent | $16,398 | Excellent |
| #7 | $99,701 | 33 | $21,056 | Excellent | $23,508 | Good | |
| #8 | $93,627 | 114 | $19,000 | Excellent | $16,219 | Excellent | |
| #9 | $91,648 | 31 | $25,000 | Excellent | $16,878 | Good | |
| #10 | $91,081 | 45 | $20,654 | Excellent | $31,890 | Good | |
| #11 | $90,495 | 150 | $23,666 | Excellent | $43,423 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $89,564 | 214 | $26,188 | Excellent | $22,488 | Good | |
| #13 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | $87,197 | 104 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,044 | Good |
| #14 | Everglades UniversityPrivate | $86,730 | 64 | $38,996 | Good | $12,350 | Good |
| #15 | $86,161 | 115 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #16 | University Of DubuquePrivate | $86,081 | 73 | $25,750 | Excellent | $21,000 | Good |
| #17 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $85,147 | 56 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Good |
| #18 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $83,903 | 33 | $25,000 | Excellent | $34,177 | Manageable |
| #19 | Westminster UniversityPrivate | $83,574 | 19 | $22,250 | Excellent | $25,834 | Good |
| #20 | $83,323 | 46 | $22,135 | Excellent | $18,071 | Good | |
| #21 | $83,243 | 89 | $27,000 | Excellent | $29,276 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $81,394 | 150 | $21,543 | Excellent | $19,500 | Good | |
| #23 | $80,981 | 33 | $20,210 | Excellent | $15,360 | Good | |
| #24 | $80,424 | 205 | $20,000 | Excellent | $14,229 | Good | |
| #25 | $79,821 | 121 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Good |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
