6 Affordable Online Aviation Degree Programs

Looking to complete an aviation degree online? Whether you dream of a career as a commercial airline pilot or plan to work in aviation airport management or a related field, getting a degree in aviation can help you meet your career goals.

Featured Affordable Aviation Programs Online

The following six schools accept online students into their aviation bachelor's programs and either provide lower-than-average tuition rates or generous financial aid opportunities.

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private school with two main campuses and various satellite campuses throughout the U.S. It offers many of its programs in an online format.

The following online aviation bachelor's degrees are available:

• Aeronautics
• Aviation business administration
• Aviation maintenance

Various other degrees and certificates are also available at graduate and undergraduate levels.

2. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large, private Christian university. Though it has a physical campus in Virginia, many of its students study online.

Students can pursue the following online aviation degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in aviation
• Bachelor of Science in aviation maintenance management
• Bachelor of Science in aviation management
• Master of Science in aeronautics
• Doctor of Philosophy in aviation

Liberty University offers the same low tuition rates for all full-time students regardless of residency.

3. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University is located in Portales, New Mexico. It is a fairly small school enrolling just over 5,000 students. Some of its programs can be completed online. One of these programs is a Bachelor of Science in aviation science. The program can be completed either online or in a hybrid format. The school offers low tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students, and various forms of financial aid and scholarships are available.

4. Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University is located in Carbondale, Illinois. It has an enrollment of more than 18,000 students. An online Bachelor of Science in aviation management is available. Students can pursue one of the following three minors to personalize their degree:

• Airport management and planning
• Aircraft product support
• Air traffic control

A professional pilot specialization is also available for students who have obtained an associate degree in aviation flight or an equivalent program of study.

5. Everglades University

Everglades University is a private school headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, though it has additional campuses throughout the state. In addition, many of its programs are available online. Students at this school can pursue a Bachelor of Science in aviation/aerospace. Several concentrations are available, as follows:

• Aviation safety
• Flight operations
• Management
• Aviation maintenance management
• Aviation operations management
• Security

The program can be completed entirely online, or students can opt to combine online coursework with some in-person sessions.

6. Polk State College

Polk State College is a public school located in Winter Haven, Florida. The former community college enrolls around 20,000 students across a variety of associate and bachelor's degrees. Online learning is available for some of the school's programs, including its Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Sciences. Two concentrations are available:

• Professional pilot
• Aerospace administration

Both concentrations require a hybrid capstone project that requires some in-person attendance. Online-only options may be available for students who can't attend in person on a case-by-case basis.

Career Opportunities for Aviation Graduates

Those who graduate with an aviation degree have a wide variety of career opportunities. Many work as professional pilots for major airlines or other companies. But many also work on the ground, filling a variety of roles. Aviation graduates can work in:

• Airline management
• Aviation administration
• Air traffic control
• Aircraft maintenance
• Airport operations

Some common job titles in the aviation industry include:

• Airport manager
• Flight operations manager
• Aviation maintenance supervisor
• Air traffic controller

FAQs About Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Aviation

Want to find out more about getting an online bachelor's degree in aviation? Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions you may have.

Can You Study Aviation Online?

Yes. Each of the programs discussed above is offered online. That said, if you plan to become a pilot, you will need to complete flight training in person at a flight school. In addition, some online aviation programs may require in-person components.

Are Aviation Degrees Worth It?

Whether you're a high school student or a career changer, getting an online aviation degree can be an excellent choice. Online college programs are generally more flexible than on-campus degrees; many can be completed either part-time or full-time, and you can potentially finish them more quickly, especially if you have transfer credits. However, online degrees generally don't provide pilot's licenses or flight training, so those hoping to become airline pilots will need to seek additional training.

How Much Does an Aviation Degree Cost?

Online education can be cheaper than traditional education, but even an affordable online degree in aviation isn't cheap. The average tuition costs for the programs outlined above range from $200 to $400 per credit hour, and overall tuition costs for a degree may range from $18,000 to $47,000 or more.

How Do I Pay for an Online Program for Aviation?

To help pay for your degree, consider filling out the FAFSA to see if you are eligible for grants or other forms of financial aid from federal or state governments. You may also be able to obtain one of these to help you further reduce your expenses:

• Scholarships
• Tuition waivers
• Employer tuition assistance
• Work-study positions

What Coursework Is Required for an Online Aviation Program?

You will take a combination of general education courses, core courses, and electives as part of your bachelor's degree. Some of the aviation-specific core courses that may be required to take include:

• Aviation history
• Safety factors
• Aviation law and regulations
• Aviation business
• Airport operations

What Do I Do After Aviation School?

What you do after graduating will depend on your particular career interests. Many aviation jobs require professional certification through the FAA. You may also want to work internships to gain some professional experience that will give you a better chance of landing your first job. Building your professional network can help you make valuable connections within the industry, which in turn can help you find jobs you might not otherwise have known about.

Start Your Educational Journey Today

Make sure to check out one of the affordable online aviation degree programs listed above to start your aviation career today. For more information about studying aviation, check out Learn.org's robust library of resources.