Is flying high into the sky is your dream? Has it been your childhood dream to become a Pilot? If yes, why not seek this dream right after you are done with your high school education? You must be wondering how and where because there are numerous options available across America but, this article is going to feature the best flight schools that will help you achieve your goals in the best possible way.
One cannot deny the fact that the profession of the pilot is considered to be noble, and it sure involves a lot of respect, money and thrill. Commercial Pilots are amongst some of the most high-paid jobs, and the USA is the world’s leading destination for international students looking to undertake Commercial Pilot Training. Although pilot schools, flight training, and aviation education are all under the same umbrella, the degrees and training are different. In the recent report, it has been recorded that the ratio of new commercial pilots is declining slowly, and this is not good news. One great reason for this gradual decrease can be the expenses for obtaining a pilot’s license, which is something not everyone can afford. To avoid this decreasing rate, flight schools are encouraging the young generation to pursue their dreams by offering them financial aids in the form of scholarships. If you are pretty confused about which flight school will be ideal for you, here are the top-10 schools in the U.S., where your dreams can turn into a reality.
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1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Deservingly, number 1 on this list is a university that offers programs focusing on Aeronautics and Aviation and helps young dreams fly high. The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has its campuses in two beautiful locations, including Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona; you can either choose a spectacular beach setting or a mesmerizing mountain view while pursuing your dream training here.
When it comes to pilot training, Embry-Riddle offers hands-on experience in labs, Classrooms and cockpits, and maintains the good reputation of the nation’s largest, oldest, and most comprehensive aeronautical university through its top class training and faculty. From associate’s, bachelor’s to master’s and PhD, you can opt for any degrees you like to earn a pilot’s license.
Founded in: 1926
Tuition: $19,000 (after aid)
Rank: 1st
ACT and SAT: SAT score between 1120 and 1330 or an ACT score of 23 and 30.
GPA: 3.75
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Contact: 800-222-3728 or 386-226-6000
Financial Aid: Scholarship Opportunity
Apply for Admission
2. University of North Dakota- School of Aerospace Sciences
At UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, “the limit is beyond the sky”, and dreams become a reality. UND is the second-largest degree-granting college, which operates one of the largest fleets of civilian aircraft in North America so, getting trained from here has its perks.
From soil to space, at UND, students get a chance to explore their passion for the aviation industry and even research them. You can choose the degree of your choice and earn your commercial pilot license easily.
Founded in: 1982
Tuition: $479.28
Rank: 2nd
ACT and SAT: N/A
GPA: 2.75
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Contact: 701.777.4934
Financial Aid: Scholarship Information
Apply for Admission
3. Purdue University- The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology
Founded in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University and its School of Aviation and Transportation Technology is a vast laboratory for discovery, where you get to chase your dreams. Recognized as a leader in aviation education, Purdue offers world-class educational programs through its 7 departments of Aviation and Transportation Technology but, thousands of students from around 130 countries choose Purdue to fulfil their aviation dream, to become commercial pilots at the most affordable cost. You can opt for the bachelor in-flight program to gain a larger perspective of the aviation industry.
Founded in: 1869
Tuition: $10,500 (after aid)
Rank: 3rd
ACT and SAT: SAT- 1180-1410 and ACT- 25-32
GPA: 3.7
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Contact: 765.494.2782
Financial Aid: Scholarship Information
Apply for Admission
4. Florida Institute of Technology- The College of Aeronautics
The College of Aeronautics at Florida Tech is where you can pursue your dream of touching the sky. With top-class programs for undergraduates and graduates here, aspiring pilots start their flight training in the first semester at the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research. The College of Aeronautics has 4 undergraduate programs accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
Founded in: 1968
Tuition: $43,246
Rank: 4th
ACT and SAT: SAT score between 1130 and 1330 or an ACT score of 23 and 30
GPA: 3.4
Acceptance Rate: 70 %
Contact: +1 321-674-8120
Financial Aid: Aviation Scholarships
Apply for Admission
5. College of Aviation at Western Michigan University
The College of Aviation at Western Michigan University is home to the only comprehensive aviation program at a public university in Michigan and has the largest aviation programs in the nation. With the most advanced training fleet and equipment available in collegiate aviation, students here come across world-class professional aviation programs that have been designed to hone every skill required to work in the aviation industry.
Founded in: 1903
Tuition: $27,000 (before aid)
Rank: 5th
ACT and SAT: 23 ACT or 1090 SAT
GPA: 3.4
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Contact: (269) 964-6375
Financial Aid: Medallion Scholarship Program
MLK GOLD Scholarship
Endowed Scholarships
Apply for Admission
6. Utah Valley University- The School of Aviation Sciences
Established in 1988, UVU School of Aviation Sciences proudly claimed to have trained thousands of young pilots and helped them become leading professionals in the aviation industry. The placement percentage at UVU is as high as 92%, and the aviation programs are available online and offline modes.
The Professional Pilot degree program at UVU prepares students for employment with U.S. and international airlines, cargo carriers, and corporate flight departments. All of the flight training is conducted at Provo Airport, and for online students, at any FAA-approved flight school in the nation.
Founded in: 1988
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 6th
ACT and SAT: ACT- 17, SAT- N/A
GPA: 2.75
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Contact: 801-863-7830
Financial Aid: Scholarship Information
Apply for Admission
7. San Jose State University
At San Jose State University, the Bachelor of Science in Aviation program is designed especially for those students, who want to get established as professional pilots, or want to get involved with airport operations and management, maintenance management, and airline operations, general management, and air traffic control management. The department of Aviation and Technology provides specialized training to students so that they can succeed in their aviation careers. The placement rate here is about 90%, so the chances of getting placed right after you finish your degree is high.
Founded in: 1857
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 7th
ACT and SAT: SAT score between 1020-1260 or an average ACT score of 18-27
GPA: 3.45
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Contact: (408) 924-1000
Financial Aid: Scholarship Information
Apply for Admission
8. Ohio State University’s Center for Aviation Studies
At the Ohio State University, the Center for Aviation Studies is home to the latest aviation technologies, developing cutting-edge research and education that prepares aspiring students for the world of aviation. Aviation at Ohio State began in 1917, and since then, the University has produced numerous successful pilots and aviation managers. The Bachelor of Science in Aviation is ideal for those who wish to become commercial pilots in the near future.
Founded in: 1917
Tuition: N/A
Rank:8th
ACT and SAT: N/A
GPA: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 53.7%
Contact: +1 614-292-2405
Financial Aid: Financial Aid Information
Apply for Admission
9. Airline Transport Pilots Flight School
The Airline Transport Pilots Flight School is the best place to become an airline pilot in the most efficient way. The Airline Career Pilot Program at ATP has proven to be the best one in the industry and has produced more than 20,000 pilots since 1984.
If you are seeking the fastest path to becoming an airline pilot, then there cannot be a better choice for you than ATP, which is not only a prestigious institution but also offers many placement opportunities at the best aviation companies upon completion of your programs.
Founded in: 1984
Tuition: Up to $87,995
Rank: 9th
ACT and SAT: N/A
GPA: N/A
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Contact: 904-595-7950
Financial Aid: Contact ATP for information
Apply for Admission
10. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
The last flight training school on this list, situated in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, is among the top aviation schools in the nation and has trained over 100000 pilots & technicians. There are many campuses of Spartan situated in the most attractive locations such as the Los Angeles area, Tulsa, Inland Empire and Denver, each of these campuses focus on a particular specialization such as, if your focus is flight training, then you have to choose Tulsa as your campus, but you are more focused in Aviation Maintenance Technology / Airframe & Powerplant, you can choose Los Angeles or Inland Empire.
Founded in: 1928
Tuition: $21,000
Rank: 10th
ACT and SAT: N/A
GPA: 3.15
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Contact: 866-707-7652
Financial Aid: Financial Aid Information
