Top 5 Best Schools for Aviation Industry Hopefuls

The aviation industry is a booming field with many opportunities for those with the right training. Moreover, there are many schools that offer aviation programs, but not all of them are created equal. If you are interested in a career in aviation, you will need to get the best education possible from one of the top schools for aviation. But with so many options out there, how can you choose the right one for you?

Well, do not worry. You have come to the right place to find an answer to that question. We will be discussing the top aviation programs you can find by looking at what each school has to offer, what makes their program stand out, and why they are considered to be the best in the business.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Aviation students

Before we get to the top aviation schools list, it is important that we shed some light on what to consider if you are one of the aviation students interested in these aviation schools and programs.

Aviation students looking for the best aviation schools and programs often find themselves overwhelmed by their options. With hundreds of aviation colleges and universities available globally, it can be hard to find the program that is right for them.

Fortunately, there are a few factors aviation students should consider when choosing among the top aviation schools or programs. First and foremost, they should check whether the school has been accredited or not. Accreditation such as the one issued by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) is a good sign that a school is offering quality education and aviation courses in line with industry standards and regulations.

Additionally, aviation students should research the faculty at each school — do they bring professional experience into their teaching? Are they well-known experts in their field?

Make a choice based on your interests

For aspiring aviators looking to pursue a career in aviation, selecting the right school or program is essential. Aviation schools offer both professional certification and technical degrees such as Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in aviation-related topics such as aviation maintenance, airport management, or aerospace engineering.

Students need to research carefully to consider factors such as course availability, whether it offers flight training if certification is sought, access to modern aviation equipment plus industry connections that can benefit future employment prospects. Comprehensive programs offering classroom instruction as well as internships should also be researched thoroughly so that appropriate skills are acquired enabling progression in this competitive area of endeavor.

Finally, aviation students should ensure that the program offers adequate hands-on flying experience along with classroom education, especially for those seeking a professional flight career. By considering these factors carefully, aviation students can be sure to pick the aviation school that best fits their needs and will give them a leg up on getting ahead in this exciting career field.

What are the careers in aviation?

Apart from commercial pilots, an aviation program can form other kinds of professionals such as technicians to maintain aircraft, air traffic controllers, and managers for the different areas of the industry, including advanced flight operations. In short, the career options offered by aviation are numerous.

Let’s now see where you should seek your aviation education.

Top 5 schools and their aviation programs

As you already know, there are many schools to choose from. So, while we have done our best, this is not intended to be a comprehensive list. We have just focused on those aviation colleges that we consider to offer great education and prospects for a professional flight career so you can become an airline pilot, as well as opportunities in other areas such as aviation maintenance management, air traffic control, or general aviation management.

With that in mind, here are the aviation colleges we selected.

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott, AZ

The first aviation school on this list is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The school is widely regarded as one of the top schools for aviation in the country. The university offers a wide variety of aviation programs that are perfect for students looking to enter the industry.

What makes Embry-Riddle’s program stand out is its focus on safety. The university has a world-renowned safety program that helps students become familiar with all aspects of aviation safety. This focus on safety makes graduates from Embry-Riddle some of the most sought-after employees in the industry.

Another reason why Embry-Riddle is considered to be one of the top schools for aviation is its commitment to research. The university has a state-of-the-art research facility that helps students stay ahead of the curve regarding new developments in the aviation industry.

2. Purdue University – West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University is another great school for aviation students. The university offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate aviation programs that are perfect for students who want to enter the industry.

What sets Purdue’s program apart from other schools is its focus on hands-on learning. Students in Purdue’s program have access to an on-campus airport where they can get real-world experience working with aircraft. This hands-on approach to learning prepares students for a successful career in aviation.

Another advantage of Purdue’s program is its location. The university is located in Indiana, which is home to a large number of aviation companies. This proximity to employers means that students have a better chance of landing a job after graduation.

3. Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University rounds out our list of the top schools for aviation students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that are perfect for students who want to enter the industry.

One of the things that makes ASU’s program stand out is its curriculum. The university offers a unique combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training that gives students the skills they need to be successful in their careers.

Another advantage of ASU’s program is its location. The university is located in Arizona, which is home to many major aerospace companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. This proximity gives students an opportunity to intern or work for these companies while they’re still in school.

4. Ohio State University – Center for Aviation Studies

Ohio State University’s Center for Aviation Studies is one of the largest Aviation programs in the country. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation, as well as degrees in Aviation Management and Air Traffic Management. Ohio State students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor flight training lab and an airport hangar. Graduates of the program have a job placement rate of 97% and an average salary of $76,000.

5. Auburn University

Auburn University has a nationally recognized aviation program that offers both two and four-year degrees with AABI accreditation.

Moreover, Auburn University’s aviation program is an exceptional choice for aspiring pilots. With state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and top-notch aircraft, students have every opportunity to succeed.

Students participate in rigorous training courses conducted by highly qualified professionals who are passionate about teaching the next generation of pilots. They have access to cutting-edge flight simulators, augmented reality technology, and the university’s fleet of modern aircraft—including a King Air 350 turboprop simulator and multiple FAA-certified Cessna 172s.

On top of that, there are plenty of hands-on practice opportunities through internships or research projects with industry leaders such as Boeing and Rolls Royce. The aviation program at Auburn University provides students with everything they need to become successful aviators in a safe and stimulating environment.

Final remarks

These are just a few of the great schools that offer programs for aspiring aviation professionals. When choosing a school, it is important to consider your goals and what you are looking to get out of your education. Especially because aviation colleges can charge steep fees for technical degrees. However, for that you might also look into aviation scholarships.

What’s more, you do not need to only focus on a Bachelor’s degree, especially if you already have one. Perhaps you may be interested in other degree programs, or you may consider going to a flight school to get a private pilot license. Also, a flight school can prepare students to get a commercial pilot license without the need for going through a full aviation college program.

Finally, you could also look for education online. Platforms like Aeroclass can help you find the right program for you. You are invited to check our aviation curriculum and contact us in case you need any help choosing a course matching your needs.

FAQ

Are there more universities that offer aviation degrees in the US?

Yes. Among the 5 we have expanded on in the article, some aviation related courses are offered at Western Michigan University, San Jose State University, Delaware State University and quite a few more.

Can I get a job in aviation management at Boeing or Airbus?

Boeing and Airbus are aircraft manufacturers, so you are more likely to get a job in aviation management in airports or airlines. However, if you have additional engineering certifications, you might just land a position in either one of those manufacturing companies.

Will getting a degree in aviation make a difference?

While some airlines are beginning to waive the aviation degree requirement for newcomers, it will definitely make you stand out as a candidate who understands the industry without having a lot of experience. On the contrary, if you do not have an aviation degree, the airline or airport you are applying to, might request more on-hands experience for you to be hired.