University of Dubuque

Located in Dubuque, Iowa, the University of Dubuque offers three bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree rooted in aviation. Students can choose a rotor-wing or fixed-wing flight track. The flight training program is available to aviation students and non-aviation students as an elective. This school could be perfect for students looking to become a professional pilot or a recreational one.

Program Highlights

Flight students will fly out of Dubuque Regional Airport (KDBQ), only a 15-minute drive from the main campus. Here, they will find training areas and preflight operations.

Aviation programs include:

• Bachelor of Science
  • Aviation Management
  • Flight Operations
  • Applied Aviation Technology

• Master of Science
  • Aviation Leadership

The University of Dubuque offers internships to students, allowing them to figure out which area in the aviation industry they would like to pursue after graduation. These internships are held in many metropolitan areas such as Minneapolis, Chicago, and St. Louis.

Value

The school has much to offer students, which shows in its tuition. One year at University of Dubuque before flight training costs will run about $46,000. To add to that, students who choose to pursue one of the pilot paths will look to pay $17,000-$145,000, depending on type of aircraft and to what extent they pursue flying.

The school does give students many different ways to reduce the cost of tuition. One way to pay for school while attending is to join the Army ROTC. This guarantees graduates a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army post-graduation and will cover all costs.

For those who do not want to pursue a military career, many scholarships are available to aviation students, including the:

• David J. Dodds Memorial Aviation Scholarship
• Andrew Bestor Prize for Aviation
• Grant Vogt Flight Scholarship

The University of Dubuque has agreements with 10 airlines that offer employment after graduation. The airlines include:

• Cape Air (students can obtain employment at 800 hours TT)
• Envoy
• SkyWest Cadet Program

The flight and management program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International.

Fleet and Facilities

The University of Dubuque flight center at Dubuque Regional Airport does not disappoint. In addition to the new building and facilities it houses an almost brand new fleet of aircraft.

The fleet consists of:

• 15 New Cessna 172s
• Two Piper Seminoles
• Three Piper Arrows
• Four Guimbal Cabri G2s
• One Robinson R44

Students finishing the flight program can take advantage of the 500-hour ATP reduction.

Campus Life

The University of Dubuque is a liberal arts school dedicated to providing students an immersive experience. The hands-on degree paths and industry connections allow students to plan for their future from the moment they step foot on campus.

The school gives students traditional college experiences such as student organizations, clubs, and Greek life. Some organizations available to students are:

• Flight Team
• Chemistry Club
• Student Government

Campus ministry ensures students can continue their faith and worship practices while staying on campus.

The Bottom Line

The University of Dubuque is a college rooted in liberal arts and takes pride in giving students a broad education to make them successful in any career. Allowing students of all degree paths and those looking to become professional pilots to get flight training provides a unique experience.