Education for a Lifetime

Countless numbers of Americans dream of becoming pilots, but a percentage of aspiring pilots are held back by an inability to pay for aviation college. If you believe that you are unable to afford aviation college, there are steps you can take to overcome these obstacles.

Keep Your Options Open

If you would like a degree in aviation, you don't have to simply attend a college dedicated to aviation. Another option is to attend a college with an aviation program. By understanding your options, you'll be able to shop around and find a tuition that is affordable.

Qualify for In-State Tuition

Attending college will always cost time and money regardless of the route you take. However, if you qualify for in-state tuition, you will be able to save money. Also, it is typically less expensive to attend college in-state because you will be closer to your social network and family. Many college students continue to live with their parents while attending aviation college.

If your dream aviation college is out of state, look for a college that allows students to pay in-state tuition as long as they maintain a certain grade point average. Flight training costs can vary widely from school to school, so you may save money even if you have to pay the higher out-of-state tuition if you attend a school with affordable flight training. 

Work for a Flight School

The good news is that many colleges are reducing tuition, and many of these colleges are aviation colleges or colleges with aviation programs. Some colleges will also provide you with a discount if you apply for a job at their college. This allows you to also earn money as you are attending aviation college.

Become a Cadet

You can also become a cadet with the Civil Air Patrol. While discounts aren't offered to everyone who participates in the program, those who show a passion for becoming a pilot have been known to receive discounts for flight training programs.

Apply for Scholarships

Research scholarship programs to find out what they are looking for. You are much more likely to be accepted for a scholarship program if you are considered exceptional. Interview the people who work for a particular scholarship program.

There are thousands of pilots who have managed to attend flight school even when they believed they could not afford it. Once you start your career as a pilot, you'll be living your dream and making money.