Explore Top Aviation College Programs

Epic Flight Academy Aviation College Programs — Epic Flight Academy partners with colleges and hosts career fairs to provide the best opportunities for students.

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.

Daytona State College at Epic Flight Academy — Daytona State College at Epic’s Scholarship Awards & Career Fair

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 Epic Partnership — Polk State College at Epic’s Scholarship Awards & Career Fair

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 at Epic Flight Academy — Purdue Global at Epic’s Scholarship Awards & Career Fair

Purdue Global Aviation Program for Pilots

Epic partnered with Purdue Global in 2023 for Epic pilots 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
Requirements: GED or high school diploma; Epic transcript showing completion
Program details

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!