by our College Data Analytics Team
[Air Traffic Controller](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/air-transportation/air-traffic-controller/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong air traffic controller education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 24 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for air traffic controller students.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the air traffic controller degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in air traffic controller, no school beat Green River Community College this year. Green River Community College is a large public school located in the city of Auburn. Students from in state pay about $4,711 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,712 ten years after entry.
University Of Alaska Anchorage came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value air traffic controller schools. Set in the city of Anchorage, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for air traffic controller graduates is $25,000. Air Traffic Controller graduates of University Of Alaska Anchorage earn a median of $40,796 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Middle Georgia State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in air traffic controller, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Macon, Middle Georgia State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,038, with out-of-state students paying around $16,390. Air Traffic Controller graduates carry a median of $22,700 in student loans. Soon after graduation, air traffic controller degree recipients from Middle Georgia State University generally make around $41,028. Set against $22,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Lewis University one of the best values for air traffic controller. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Air Traffic Controller graduates carry a median of $24,873 in student loans. Soon after graduation, air traffic controller degree recipients from Lewis University generally make around $39,228. Set against $24,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Students looking for strong value in air traffic controller will find it at University Of North Dakota, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $22,769 to complete the air traffic controller program here. Early-career air traffic controller graduates make about $46,193. Set against $22,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.
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Kent State University At Kent came in at #6 for value in air traffic controller this year. Set in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Air Traffic Controller graduates carry a median of $24,730 in student loans. Soon after graduation, air traffic controller degree recipients from Kent State University At Kent generally make around $44,776. That is a strong return on a $24,730 median debt. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants.
Letourneau University landed the #7 spot for air traffic controller value this year. Set in the city of Longview, Letourneau University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,160 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for air traffic controller graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, air traffic controller degree recipients from Letourneau University generally make around $53,569. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Institute Of Technology earned the #8 position for value in air traffic controller this year. Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Melbourne. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,900. Typical student debt for air traffic controller graduates is $27,000. Early-career air traffic controller graduates make about $47,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Institute Of Technology admits about 58% of applicants.
Lynn University placed #9 among the best values for air traffic controller. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Lynn University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,480 in tuition and fees. Air Traffic Controller graduates carry a median of $21,391 in student loans. Soon after graduation, air traffic controller degree recipients from Lynn University generally make around $50,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott came in at #10 for value in air traffic controller this year. Located in the city of Prescott, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $43,974. Typical student debt for air traffic controller graduates is $22,000. Early-career air traffic controller graduates make about $54,827. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott admits about 77% of applicants.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach landed the #11 spot for air traffic controller value this year. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,074. Typical student debt for air traffic controller graduates is $22,000. Air Traffic Controller graduates of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach earn a median of $54,827 early in their careers. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.
Explore the best-value air traffic controller schools at other degree levels:
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
