Aviation is a fast-growing industry with a high demand for skilled professionals. If you’re passionate about flying or working in the aviation sector, selecting the right university is crucial for a successful career. The United States is home to some of the world’s leading aviation universities, offering specialized programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical training. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top 10 aviation universities in the USA, providing details about their programs, tuition fees, and career opportunities.
1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL)
Embry-Riddle is widely recognized as one of the top aviation universities globally. It offers a range of aviation-related programs, including degrees in aerospace engineering, air traffic management, and flight training. The university’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the ever-evolving aviation industry, with a strong emphasis on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Embry-Riddle has state-of-the-art flight simulators, an extensive fleet of aircraft for hands-on training, and internships with top aviation companies, ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 60% |
| Students | Over 12,000 |
| Programs | Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, Air Traffic Management |
| Famous Alumni | Chuck Yeager, John Travolta (Actor, Pilot) |
| Tuition | About $39,000 per year (plus housing & fees) |
| Class Size | 15:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 90%+ employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
2. University of North Dakota (UND) (Grand Forks, ND)
The University of North Dakota offers one of the most respected aviation programs in the USA. UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is known for its aviation management, flight training, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) programs. The school provides students with access to a fleet of over 120 aircraft and cutting-edge flight simulators.
UND is also renowned for its research in unmanned systems and aviation safety. Students benefit from internships with leading aviation companies and organizations, preparing them for careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation managers.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Grand Forks, North Dakota |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 79% |
| Students | Around 14,000 |
| Programs | Aviation, UAS, Aviation Management, Flight Training |
| Famous Alumni | Tom Brokaw (Journalist), Dean Kamen (Inventor) |
| Tuition | About $15,000 per year (in-state), $25,000 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 20:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 95% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | University of North Dakota |
3. Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
Purdue University’s College of Engineering offers a top-tier aviation program that combines engineering and aviation management. Purdue’s aviation program is known for its rigorous curriculum and its emphasis on real-world applications. Students have access to the university’s own airport and fleet of aircraft for hands-on flight training.
The university has strong partnerships with major airlines and aviation companies, providing students with ample internship opportunities and a high job placement rate. Purdue is an excellent choice for students who want to combine aviation expertise with engineering knowledge.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | West Lafayette, Indiana |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 60% |
| Students | Around 45,000 |
| Programs | Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Flight Training |
| Famous Alumni | Neil Armstrong, Orville Redenbacher (Food Mogul) |
| Tuition | About $10,000 per year (in-state), $28,000 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 15:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 85% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Purdue University |
4. University of Southern California (USC) (Los Angeles, CA)
USC offers one of the most comprehensive aviation programs in the country, focusing on both flight training and aviation management. The university’s Viterbi School of Engineering has a strong aerospace program, and its aviation management courses are renowned for preparing students for careers in airline operations, logistics, and aviation safety.
USC’s location in Los Angeles provides access to one of the busiest airports in the world, creating excellent opportunities for internships and networking with industry professionals.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 11% |
| Students | Over 48,000 |
| Programs | Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, Aviation Management |
| Famous Alumni | George Lucas, Neil Armstrong, Will Ferrell |
| Tuition | About $60,000 per year (plus housing & fees) |
| Class Size | 9:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 92% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | University of Southern California |
5. Auburn University (Auburn, AL)
Auburn University’s Aviation Program is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on flight training, aviation management, and airport operations. The university has a fleet of more than 30 aircraft and provides students with hands-on experience at the Auburn University Regional Airport.
Auburn offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in aviation, preparing students for a variety of careers in aviation management, flight operations, and aerospace technology.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Auburn, Alabama |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 80% |
| Students | Around 30,000 |
| Programs | Aviation Management, Flight Training, Aerospace Engineering |
| Famous Alumni | Tim Cook (Apple CEO) |
| Tuition | About $10,000 per year (in-state), $31,000 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 20:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 88% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Auburn University |
6. Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL)
Florida Tech offers one of the most respected aviation programs in the state, providing students with access to a fleet of aircraft for flight training. The university offers programs in aviation management, flight training, and aerospace engineering, preparing students for careers in both the cockpit and aviation operations.
Florida Tech’s location near the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral provides students with unique opportunities in aerospace and aviation-related fields, from space missions to commercial airline operations.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Melbourne, Florida |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 70% |
| Students | Over 6,000 |
| Programs | Aviation Management, Flight Training, Aerospace Engineering |
| Famous Alumni | Jack Harkness (Astronaut) |
| Tuition | About $40,000 per year (plus housing & fees) |
| Class Size | 18:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 90% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Florida Institute of Technology |
7. Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI)
Western Michigan University offers a comprehensive aviation program with degrees in aviation management, flight science, and aerospace technology. Students have access to over 40 aircraft for hands-on flight training and gain practical experience through internships with major aviation companies.
The university’s College of Aviation is one of the largest in the country, and its location in Kalamazoo provides a safe and supportive learning environment.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Kalamazoo, Michigan |
| Founded | 1903 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 79% |
| Students | Around 20,000 |
| Programs | Aviation Management, Flight Training, Aerospace Technology |
| Famous Alumni | Jason Schenker (Economist) |
| Tuition | About $13,000 per year (in-state), $26,000 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 17:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 85% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Western Michigan University |
8. Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
Kansas State University offers an aviation program with strong ties to the aviation industry, providing students with access to flight training, aviation management courses, and aerospace engineering programs. The university has a fleet of aircraft, including jets, and offers internships with aviation companies to help students gain real-world experience.
The aviation program at Kansas State is designed to give students the practical and theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in various aviation careers.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Manhattan, Kansas |
| Founded | 1863 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 95% |
| Students | Over 21,000 |
| Programs | Aviation Management, Flight Training, Aerospace Engineering |
| Famous Alumni | Greg Proops (Comedian), Fred Phelps (Founder of Westboro Baptist Church) |
| Tuition | About $10,000 per year (in-state), $26,000 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 19:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 86% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Kansas State University |
9. University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
The University of Arizona offers a top-tier aviation program with an emphasis on aviation management, flight training, and aerospace technology. The university has a large fleet of aircraft for hands-on flight training, and students can take part in internships with local and national aviation companies.
Arizona’s location offers great flying conditions year-round, making it an ideal place for aviation training.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Tucson, Arizona |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 84% |
| Students | Over 44,000 |
| Programs | Aviation Management, Flight Training, Aerospace Engineering |
| Famous Alumni | Lute Olson (Basketball Coach) |
| Tuition | About $14,000 per year (in-state), $40,000 (out-of-state) |
| Class Size | 20:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 82% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | University of Arizona |
10. Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)
Liberty University offers an aviation program focused on both flight training and aviation management. The university has a fleet of over 20 aircraft and provides students with the opportunity to earn certifications while pursuing their degree. Liberty’s aviation program also offers specialized courses in aviation safety and operations.
Liberty University’s location in Virginia provides easy access to major airports and aviation companies, offering excellent opportunities for internships and networking.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 50% |
| Students | Around 15,000 |
| Programs | Aviation Management, Flight Training |
| Famous Alumni | Jerry Falwell Jr. (President) |
| Tuition | About $20,000 per year (plus housing & fees) |
| Class Size | 22:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 80% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Liberty University |
Conclusion
Choosing the right aviation university is essential for students aspiring to pursue a career in aviation. The universities listed above provide comprehensive programs, modern training facilities, and excellent career support, making them ideal for those looking to become pilots, aviation managers, or aerospace engineers. Whether you’re looking for top-tier flight training at Embry-Riddle or exploring aviation management at Purdue, these universities offer everything you need to start your aviation journey.
FAQs
1. What are the admission requirements for aviation universities in the USA?
Admission requirements vary by university but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT/ACT), and a strong academic background in mathematics and science. Some schools also require a medical examination for flight training programs.
2. How much does it cost to attend an aviation university?
Tuition fees for aviation programs typically range from $10,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the university and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Additional costs for flight training, housing, and other fees may apply.
3. Do aviation universities offer scholarships?
Yes, many aviation universities offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific aviation-related achievements. Be sure to check the scholarships page of each university for detailed information.
4. What careers can I pursue with a degree in aviation?
Graduates with a degree in aviation can pursue careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, flight instructors, aviation managers, and aerospace engineers, among other roles in the aviation industry.
5. How long does it take to complete an aviation degree?
An aviation degree typically takes 4 years to complete. However, students in flight training programs may need additional time to complete the necessary flight hours and certifications.