FLYING’s Flight School Guide, which launched in June, is a tool to help students find the right flight school, aviation college, or university for them.
Each student has a vision of what that school should be like. For some, that means a large university with Division I football games to attend on the weekends, but for others, an accelerated program leading to a career in as little as 12 months is the right track.
In the guide, FLYING breaks down each flight training program to provide a look into the overall experience.
To help you make an informed decision on which school may be the right fit, we’ve gathered information and ranked each program in five categories:
● Career Partnerships
● Value
● Campus Life
● Fleet
● Facilities/Location
After an in depth research process, FLYING determined the top five colleges and universities to consider when pursuing a degree in aviation—while also attending flight school. They are:
University of Oklahoma
Located in Norman, Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma’s curriculum has a strong business focus, which prepares students for the aviation industry from a different perspective. Students who attend the University of Oklahoma will have the full college experience and the opportunity to fly newer aircraft and build connections through the university’s impressive contact list.
Points Earned
9 out of 10 in Industry Partners
9 out of 10 in Value
9 out of 10 in Fleet
8 out of 10 in Campus Life
8 out of 10 in Facilities and Location
Overall: 43 out of a possible 50 points
University of North Dakota
Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the University of North Dakota offers an array of programs throughout the aviation industry. The University of North Dakota Aerospace program is one of only 34 aviation accredited programs in the world. Students who attend the University of North Dakota will have the full college experience while learning about many fields of aviation.
Points Earned
10 out of 10 in Industry Partners
8 out of 10 in Value
9 out of 10 in Fleet
7 out of 10 in Campus Life
8 out of 10 in Facilities and Location
Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points
Purdue University
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University has its own airport (KLAF) for aviation students. You can find it directly across the street from the main campus. Purdue hosts an annual aviation career fair to assist students and graduates in finding lasting careers in the industry. Purdue students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and aircraft. They also experience collegiate traditions at a university that was established in the 1890s.
Points Earned
10 out of 10 in Industry Partners
9 out of 10 in Value
8 out of 10 in Fleet
6 out of 10 in Campus Life
9 out of 10 in Facilities and Location
Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points
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. Students who attend Western Michigan have access to a sought-after aviation program and benefit from traditional college experiences.
Points Earned
10 out of 10 in Industry Partners
8 out of 10 in Value
8 out of 10 in Fleet
7 out of 10 in Campus Life
9 out of 10 in Facilities and Location
Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus
Located in Salina, Kansas, Kansas State University Polytechnic offers 14 different aviation programs, ranging from certificates to bachelor’s degrees and a new master’s degree program. This program trains students above the minimum requirements set forth by the FAA to ensure its students are well-rounded and ready for the industry. The Kansas State Salina Campus is a technical campus with a large school name. This gives the school the ability to provide state-of-the-art facilities and instructors. With many different industry connections and an opportunity to earn a restricted ATP certificate, students may find success in the industry even prior to graduation.
Points Earned
9 out of 10 in Industry Partners
8 out of 10 in Value
9 out of 10 in Fleet
7 out of 10 in Campus Life
9 out of 10 in Facilities and Location
Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points
Check out all the aviation colleges and their scores in FLYING’s Flight School Guide.
