South Dakota State

Located in Bookings, South Dakota, South Dakota State University offers an aviation bachelor’s degree with two specializations to choose from. Top-performing students are often brought on as flight instructors in the program during their junior and senior years.

Program Highlights

South Dakota State is an FAA-approved Part 141 school and flight operations are conducted out of Brookings Regional Airport (KBKX), which is only a five-minute drive from the main campus.

Programs offered include:

• Bachelor of Science
  • Aviation
    • Aviation Education (Flight)
    • Aviation Maintenance

The university has partnered with approved FAA A&P programs across the United States to offer a four-year degree in aviation maintenance management.

Within one year of graduation, graduates transition to United Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Air Wisconsin, Republic Airways, and Mesa Airlines. Some continue as Part 141 and Part 61 flight instructors.

The Aviation Education Specialization is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Value

South Dakota State’s tuition is about average in terms of the size of the school and what it can offer students. In-state students should look to pay about $20,000 a year in base tuition, while out-of-state students will pay a bit more at $38,000 a year. This does not include flight expenses.

On top of base tuition, flight students will have additional costs for flight courses. The flight fees vary depending on if a student needs more time in the aircraft on top of the required hours for graduation. Flight costs can range from $60,000-$90,000.

The university offers scholarships to mitigate the costs. Available scholarships include:

• Lohr Scholars
• John F. and Lela F. Sandfort Scholarship
• Elton D. Schafer Scholarship

It also accepts veteran’s benefits such as the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon.

Fleet and Facilities

South Dakota State hosts a traditional fleet of aircraft,consisting of:

• Cessna 172s
• Piper Arrow
• Piper Seminoles
• American Champion Citabrias

The school also has simulators, such as:

• Redbird TDs
• FRASCA RTDs

Aviation students can take advantage of the professional connection South Dakota State has with Republic Airways to secure an internship while in school.

Graduates from South Dakota State’s Part-141 flight training program are also eligible for the restricted ATP of 1,000 hours.

Campus Life

South Dakota State University is a midsized school in the Midwest. On-campus living, sports, clubs and organizations are all available.

The university offers multiple on-campus living options, including more than 13 residence halls with 20 on-campus dining options.

SDSU has many Division I teams for which students can try out or cheer.

For students looking to find like-minded peers, they can join a club or organization. There are more than 250 clubs and organizations on-campus.

The Bottom Line

Prospective students may want to consider South Dakota State if they are searching for a school with many scholarships opportunities, industry connections, and high placement rates after graduation.