2026 Best Value Air Traffic Controller Schools in the Southwest Region
[Air Traffic Controller](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/air-transportation/air-traffic-controller/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 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.
2026 Best Value Air Traffic Controller Schools in the Southwest Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in air traffic controller, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Air Traffic Controller Schools
Our analysis ranked Tulsa Community College the best value for a degree in air traffic controller in the Southwest Region. Tulsa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tulsa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,792, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. Typical student debt for air traffic controller graduates is $15,789. Early-career air traffic controller graduates make about $41,718. Set against $15,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tulsa Technology Center earned it the #2 place for air traffic controller. Set in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Technology Center is a mid-sized public institution. Typical student debt for air traffic controller graduates is $11,384. Early-career air traffic controller graduates make about $32,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Letourneau University one of the best values for air traffic controller. Set in the city of Longview, Letourneau University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,160. 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. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a great value for students pursuing a degree in air traffic controller, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Prescott, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Air Traffic Controller graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, air traffic controller degree recipients from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott generally make around $73,296. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
