International Flight and Mechanic Students Can Earn College Degrees

Our collaboration with several colleges and universities allows allows your flight training hours to transfer as college credit. International students want to know whether this program is available to them. The answer is “yes,” which brings us to the “how” and “why” of it.

Why would international flight students want to earn a college degree in the U.S.?

Although a college degree is not required by many airlines, some flight students choose to earn a college degree because it can help boost opportunities and salary. There are many personal reasons for choosing to earn a degree. One reason foreign flight students choose to earn a college degree is the requirement of a Class 1 medical certificate by the FAA. Many flight students consider a college degree to be a back-up plan in case they ever develop a health condition that would put their Class 1 medical into jeopardy. This is a prudent approach to a career in aviation. Even if medical reasons ground you as a pilot, your college degree can offer many career opportunities.

How do international flight students earn a college degree in the U.S.?

Foreign students are required to take their flight training under an M-1 visa, which is required for a technical school like a flight school. Foreign students at Daytona State College (or any U.S. college) are required to have an F-1 visa. Because these visas have two distinct sets of guidelines, you cannot enroll simultaneously at Epic Flight Academy and at college. The most efficient way international flight students can transfer their flight training hours from Epic to Daytona State is to first complete the International Pilot Program at Epic.

How long does it take?

This takes less than one year. Following completion of all required hours to satisfy Daytona State College’s and other U.S. college’s requirements, you will return to you home country and apply for your F-1 visa. Then you can return as a full-time student at Daytona State College, Polk State College, Purdue Global, or Seminole State College.

An associate degree typically takes one to two years depending on how much time you can put into it. However, with your Epic transfer credits, it should only take you one year. Then, build on your associate’s degree to earn your Bachelor’s. This will take approximately 2 years.

What are the tuition costs at these colleges?

Tuition costs depend on your residency. If you lived in Florida for one year while completing your flight training, you will likely meet the requirements that define you as a legal Florida permanent resident. You will be required to verify this by providing required documents (e.g., Florida ID card, rent/utility receipts for one full year). You will find that tuition is surprisingly affordable even if you don’t qualify for in-state tuition rates.

• Daytona State College (pilots)
• Polk State College (aircraft mechanics)
• Purdue Global (aircraft mechanics and pilots)
• Seminole State College (pilots)

What are the costs for a Bachelor’s degree?

After you earn your A.S. degree at Daytona State or another school, you can stay there to earn your Bachelor’s. Or, you can transfer your associate degree to another college toward your Bachelor’s. You will need to earn 60 credit hours to add to the 60 you have already earned from your Associate’s degree (120 total credit hours). The rates are slightly higher for the Bachelor’s programs. If you have already established Florida residency for your A.S. degree, you can earn your Bachelor’s degree at in-state tuition rates.

What are the next steps?

If you are already an international student who has trained at Epic or is currently training, email us to determine when you should enroll at Daytona State College. We will help with every detail of transferring your flight credits toward your college degree. If you have not yet started your flight training at Epic, what are you waiting for? Contact us now and let us help you achieve your dreams of becoming a pilot and earning a college degree!