Western Michigan University

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Western Michigan University offers three different Bachelor of Science programs, seaplane certification and two training programs, jet equivalency training, and flight instruction training.

Western Michigan Aviation also has a partnership with AVIATE, a United Airlines pipeline program for aspiring aviators.

Program Highlights

The College of Aviation is located directly on Battle Creek Executive Airport (KBTL) and offers one of the largest aviation programs in the nation. Western Michigan has 85 years of aviation experience, a 100 percent flight and tech operations post-graduation success rate, and 1,100 students. It has a dedicated living learning facility for aviation students, Henry Hall. Thanks to its location, students learn to fly year-round in all types of weather.

The program could be a good fit for students looking for a liberal arts core curriculum in an aviation environment.

Programs available include:

• Bachelor of Science
  • Aviation Flight Science
  • Aviation Tech Ops
  • Aviation Management and Operations

The university is a part of Region 3 of the National intercollegiate Flying Association.

Value

Western Michigan University tuition falls in the middle of the pack in terms of cost.

At roughly $13,000 for in-state and $16,000 before flight hour costs, students may want to use scholarships or the Air Force ROTC program to help pay for school.

Scholarships available include the:

While the university has a large number of students, a large number of flight instructors means there will be flight spots. Flight hours run higher than usual due to the fleet of aircraft Western Michigan uses.

Fleet and Facilities

Western Michigan University offers the largest fleet of Cirrus aircraft in the world, as well as twins and tailwheel aircraft. In total, WMU has 50 birds.

The fleet consists of:

• 32 Cirrus SR-20s Gen7 equipped with the Garmen Perspective+
• 9 Piper Seminoles
• 2 Cessna 150s
• 1 Piper Cub
• 1 American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon
• 4 Frasca Cirrus TRAC20 Gen 7 FTDs
• 1 Frasca Seminole PA44 FTD
• 2 Flight Training Solutions Boeing 737 Max FTDs

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

Campus Life

Students have the opportunity to stay on campus in a multitude of on-campus residential options, including the Aviation House (part of the University’s Living Learning Community offerings) and off-campus housing in Kalamazoo.

WMU offers on campus dining, student engagement, and opportunities for work study and receive career services. Its students have access to nearly 400 registered student organizations. The main campus has also invested in revitalizing the campus community with the addition of a new student center, new dining facilities, and new residence halls

The Bottom Line

Students who attend Western Michigan will not only have access to a sought-after aviation program, but also have the opportunity to attend a school with traditional college experiences.