Many people aspire to fly planes, helicopters, and other aircraft, and attending aviation school can help them achieve this ambition. Along with piloting planes, pilots are responsible for the aircraft’s general condition, which includes anything from fuel checks to flight planning. They frequently work a flexible schedule and travel all over the world.
To become a commercial or airline pilot, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree and then earn a license and certificate. Aviation schools are one of the initial steps toward accomplishing this goal. Aviation students receive specialized training in subjects such as advanced flight operations, aerodynamics, air navigation, jet engines, and meteorology. In addition, they receive training from competent aviation specialists and use cutting-edge equipment.
Here are the 10 best aviation schools in the United States, according to US News’ National Universities rankings.
10 Best Aviation Colleges
Are you ready to uncover the finest aviation colleges for you? The good news is that there are as many institutions offering aviation programs as there are planes in the sky. Continue reading to find out which of these high-quality programs will best meet your specific needs and ambitions.
1. Purdue University
Purdue University is well-known for its industry connections, having collaborated with airlines and other companies to develop a strong future in aviation and aerospace. By considering industry needs, the aviation curriculum prepares students for a successful career. Additionally, the Aviation Career Fair connects companies with aviation-focused students.
Purdue also leads the way in aviation research. The Grand Challenges in Aviation and Transportation encourage both teachers and students to make new discoveries in many research areas. The institution places a particular emphasis on sustainability, safety, and quality, as well as their connections to aviation.
The Transportation Research Board’s biennial University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs encourages teams to collaborate and develop realistic solutions. In 2020, three Purdue teams took first place in three airport contests.
2. Auburn University
Auburn University aviation students can obtain practical experience at the school’s regional airport and the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building. The cutting-edge facilities include classes, debriefing rooms, and flight simulators. The airport covers 420 acres and includes an aircraft fleet, a simulator fleet, and professional flight practice spaces.
Aviation students can earn up to six credit hours through internships or cooperative education, which combine instruction with hands-on experience. Whether in industry or government, Auburn students have access to a network of world-class aviation organizations. This includes several accelerated career pathways with airlines like Delta and JetBlue.
Auburn graduates join a network of nearly 4,000 aviation alumni who are experts in their fields. Furthermore, the university has been actively involved in aviation education for more than 80 years; therefore, graduates are well-known for their contributions to the field.
3. Baylor University
Baylor, a private Baptist Christian college in Waco, Texas, offers students the opportunity to major in aviation sciences or aviation management at a faith-based university. Future pilots can consider majoring in aviation sciences, which allows them to specialize in airplane or helicopter flight.
Classes are provided by instructors with real-world expertise in commercial, business, and military aircraft. Baylor also allows students to obtain major credit for their Aviation Internship in Industry course to prepare them to become effective pilots.
4. Western Michigan University
With approximately 1,100 undergraduates, Western Michigan University offers one of the most extensive aviation departments in the country. Furthermore, it is the only comprehensive aviation curriculum offered by a public institution in Michigan. These accomplishments demonstrate that WMU is a formidable force in the future of aviation training.
The next generation of aviation leaders are being trained aboard a fleet of fifty aircraft. By continuously evaluating the planes, the department can make changes and ensure that students have access to the latest equipment. These aircraft are employed for a variety of purposes, including aviation maintenance and flying education.
WMU’s Aviate program, a prototype career development project, demonstrates how the school’s graduates are well-trained and sought after.
5. Kansas State University
Kansas State University has the highest concentration of Master Certified Aviation Instructors in the country. This team of qualified and experienced flight instructors provides aviation students with a high-quality education. They teach a variety of courses, including meteorology, aerodynamics, advanced aircraft systems, and flight labs. Aside from aviation programs, Kansas State students study a variety of subjects, including management and business ethics.
Salina Regional Airport, very near Kansas State, offers both education and experience. It has a 12,300-foot runway as well as crosswind and parallel runways to enable training that exceeds the basic standards. Kansas State graduates are confident in their ability to fly in any situation and exceed industry requirements.
Aviation graduates are exceedingly successful, with a 98% program placement record, whether they pursue careers as flight instructors or airline captains. Kansas State graduates go on to become airline, freight, charter, corporate, and military pilots.
6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is unique in that it provides different majors for students who want to fly fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft. Grad Reports named Embry-Riddle one of the greatest aviation colleges, and they have reason to be proud: its Golden Eagles Flight Team has won 36 consecutive regional championships and 15 national SAFECON championships. Students at this elite school are also connected to major aviation companies such as United, JetBlue, and Delta.
7. Florida Institute Of Technology
Florida Tech is home to one of the nation’s most robust aviation universities. This university offers 7 associate’s degree programs and 9 bachelor’s degree programs, with majors ranging from aeronautical science to aviation meteorology and management. Students interested in becoming pilots can study aeronautical science with a focus on flight.
While studying, students can select an ROTC pathway or participate in a professional pathway program that leads to careers with ExpressJet or Delta. Florida Tech students may also apply for a master’s degree in aviation or an accelerated MBA program.
8. University of Oklahoma.
Flying Magazine ranks the University of Oklahoma as one of the best aviation universities in the country. At UO, you can apply to either the aviation management or professional pilot tracks. Paid and volunteer opportunities with Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and UPS are likely to provide you with valuable connections that will help you further your career. Lower tuition prices than other colleges with aviation programs keep this university affordable.
9. Ohio University
Ohio University offers both two- and four-year programs to becoming a pilot, allowing you to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation. In the associate’s program, you will obtain a private pilot license, an instrument rating, and a commercial pilot certificate. Students earning a bachelor’s degree will complete extra business management and meteorology courses, as well as advanced flight training in flight crew operations and corporate flight operations.
10. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a liberal arts core curriculum alongside professional aviation education. Air traffic management, airport management, aviation management, aviation safety and operations, aviation studies, commercial aviation, and unmanned aircraft system operations are some of the specialized undergraduate degrees.
Students in any aviation program benefit from cutting-edge facilities, including the world’s largest collegiate training fleet. This comprises over 100 aircraft and simulators, virtual reality training equipment, and a hypobaric chamber where participants can feel the physiological impacts of high-altitude flight.
Students can access a variety of training possibilities via immersive hands-on flight control gear and simulation software.
The University of North Dakota emphasizes hands-on curriculum while maintaining safety. The school boasts the first and only collegiate program to attain the highest level of Safety Management System compliance.
FAQs
What college has the best aviation program in the US?
- Purdue University, West Lafayette
- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- University of Oklahoma, Norman.
- Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo.
- Kansas State University, Salina.
What is the top 1 aviation school in the world?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was founded in 1925 and is frequently referred to as the “Best Aviation and Aerospace University in the World.” The institution has two campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as a worldwide campus.
Which institute is best for aviation?
- School of Aeronautics (Delhi)
- Silver Oak University.
- MIT-ADT University, Pune.
- KCG College of Technology.
- IIMT University.
- Alroz Aviation. Dehradun.
- Pioneer Flying Academy.
- Garg Aviation.
Is aviation a good career in USA?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.9% employment growth for pilots between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 5,600 jobs should open up. Pilots fly and operate aircraft like airplanes and helicopters for airlines, private corporations, law enforcement agencies, and the military.
Conclusion
Unlike majors in broader fields like communications or sociology, aviation degrees are highly specialized degrees with lots of hands-on career training. When selecting which colleges with aviation programs to apply to, consider what kind of aviation you want to specialize in.
In addition to specialization, consider other important factors like location, cost of attendance, campus culture, and internship and career opportunities so that you can make sure you get the most out of your college years.
