Explore Top Aviation College Programs
Do you need a college degree to be a pilot? How about an aircraft mechanic? The short answer is “no.” So, why do some pilots and A&P mechanics pursue a degree? Some find that it helps them attain management positions and better jobs in the aerospace industry. While a great number of aviation professionals are hired without a degree, some use their degree to increase their salary.
There are many good reasons to earn a college degree, including the ability to transfer your aviation training for college credit! Our partnerships with Daytona State College, Polk State College, and Purdue Global offer unique opportunities to accelerate your college degree.
Quick Navigation to College Programs
Daytona State College Aviation Program for Pilots
In 2018, Epic partnered with Daytona State College to offer course credit for flight training toward an associate’s degree. Pilots can transfer up to 27 credit hours in flight training toward an A.S. in Operations Management Technology. Students can take classes while flight training if they choose.
Program at a glance:
- Degree offered: A.S. in Operations Management Technology
- Tuition cost: Varies by in-state and out-of-state
- Online or on campus: Both are available, with the majority of courses offered online.
- Transferrable credit hours: 23 to 27
- Length of Epic’s commercial pilot program: Approximately 12 months for domestic students, approx. 6-7 months for international students
- Requirements: GED or high school diploma; Epic transcript showing completion
- Program details
Polk State College Aviation Program for Aircraft Mechanics
Since 2022, Polk State College has accepted Epic’s aircraft mechanic program graduates for 30 credit hours toward an AS degree. That means A&P graduates are already halfway to their degree in Aviation Maintenance Administration. PSC encourages students to take courses while working on the mechanic training.
Program at a glance:
- Degree offered: A.S. in Aviation Maintenance Administration
- Tuition cost and fees: Varies by in-state and out-of-state
- Online or on campus: Both are available, with the majority of courses offered on campus.
- Transferrable credit hours: 30
- Length of Epic’s A&P mechanic program: 19 months
- Requirements: GED or high school diploma; AMT certificate
- Program details
Purdue Global Aviation Program for Pilots and Aircraft Mechanics
Epic partnered with Purdue Global in 2023 for Epic pilots and aircraft mechanics to earn a bachelor of science degree in Professional Flight or Aviation Management. The program is a collaboration between Purdue Global and the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology at Purdue University. This association ensures a global community and network of support.
Program at a glance:
- Degrees offered: B.S. in Professional Flight or Aviation Management
- Tuition cost: Varies by in-state and out-of-state; includes partner school tuition reduction
- Online or on campus: 100% online
- Transferrable credit hours: Varies by student
- Length of Epic’s commercial pilot program: Approximately 12 months for domestic students, 6-7 months for international students
- Length of Epic’s aircraft mechanic program: 19 months
- Requirements: GED or high school diploma; Epic transcript showing completion
- Program details for pilots: Tuition reduction and 45 transfer credits
- Program details for aircraft mechanics: With FAA A&P certification, receive up to 77 transfer credits toward any Purdue undergraduate degree. For those with either airframe or powerplant, you can receive 52 to 57 transfer credits.
Seminole State College Program for Pilots
Epic partnered with Seminole State College in 2025 for Epic pilots to earn an associate or bachelor degree in various programs and areas of study. The program allows Epic pilots to transfer licenses and certificates as college credit.
Program at a glance:
- Degree offered: A.S., A.A., B.S., and B.A.S.
- Tuition cost and fees: Varies by in-state and out-of-state
- Online or on campus: Both are available, with the majority of courses offered on campus. Some programs are 100% online.
- Transferrable credit hours: 27
- Length of Epic’s commercial pilot program: Approximately 12 months for domestic students, approx. 6-7 months for international students
- Requirements: GED or high school diploma; Epic transcript showing licenses and ratings earned
- Program details
Watch Our 4-Minute Video on Aviation College Programs!
How many years do the programs take?
Several factors impact this, including student availability and ability. For example, you can complete a bachelor’s degree in Professional Flight online in 2–3 years through Purdue Global while working as a flight instructor. Some students become a college graduate in as little as one year by transferring their training and attending school full-time. The offer of online courses provides flexibility. Many students have a need for these since they are working or serving in the military.
What about a master’s degree?
The programs offered through Epic provide pathways to AS and BS degrees. Approximately 70% of pilots hold a bachelor’s degree, 13% hold an associate’s degree, and 15% hold a master’s. Certainly, you can build upon each degree at these colleges or other universities and institutes.
To find which degree is best for you, we encourage you to read the details of each program. You may prefer to earn a technical degree or management degree. Once you enroll, we encourage you to fly to the top of your class!