Hesston College

Located in Hesston, Kansas, Hesston College offers two associate degrees and one bachelor’s degree. It has been training pilots since 1970 and air traffic controllers since 2009.

Program Highlights

Hesston College hosts an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school, to provide ground and pilot training. Flight training occurs at the Newton City-County Airport (KEWK), which is 15 minutes from the main campus.

There are 30 other airports within 30 miles ranging from 1,500-foot grass strips to 10,000-foot airline-served runways. This provides students with the ability to train on different surfaces and runway lengths.

Programs Hesston College offers include:

• Associate of Science
  • Aviation-Professional Pilot
  • Air Traffic Control
• Bachelor of Science
  • Aviation-Professional Pilot

Hesston’s air traffic control program is one of 36 FAA-CTI programs nationwide and the only program in the state of Kansas with Collegiate Training Initiative status from the FAA.

Value

Hesston College’s base tuition is higher than average. In- and out-of-state tuition is approximately $29,000 a year. Base tuition does not include flight expenses.

Flight students at Hesston College will benefit from average flight costs. To progress from private to multiengine, students will pay approximately $85,000.

Hesston offers many aviation scholarships for students to reduce costs even more, including:

● Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles
● Federal Aviation Administration Scholarships
● International Society of Women Airline Pilots

The school also accepts veteran’s benefits such as the GI Bill.

Fleet and Facilities

Hesston hosts a relatively newer fleet for training, which includes:.

● Cessna 172s
● Piper Archers

Graduates of Hesston College’s flight program will be eligible for a R-ATP.

Campus Life

Hesston College offers students a few options for both on-campus housing and dining.

For students looking for some organizations to get involved in, Hesston hosts dozens of student clubs and organizations, including:

● Aviation Club
● Baking Club
● Chess Club

The school also is home to a few Greek chapters.

For active students, Hesston College is home to the Hesston Larks, the school’s athletic teams. There are also many intramural and club sports teams available for less-competitive students.

The Bottom Line

Hesston College is home to an FAA Part 141 flight school who has been training pilots for more than 50 years. In addition to flight training, the aviation department is one of only 36 Air Traffic Control Collegiate Training Initiative schools. A rich campus life, engaged training, and R-ATP eligibility make Hesston College a top choice for future aviation professionals.