Is there a more exciting industry than aviation? Few industries offer the unique challenges, daily engagement, and unlimited opportunity found in aviation. The global job market needs aviation experts. With one of the cheapest online aviation degree programs, you’ll have the chance to work at the cutting-edge of technology, science, and engineering. In addition, you can enjoy some of the largest salaries in the entire job market.
As an industry, aviation is in a constant state of movement – literally and figuratively. It provides unique travel abilities and also delivers nearly unlimited career growth and advancement opportunity.
You may assume that entering the aviation industry is difficult. To be honest, it can be. It requires advanced knowledge in science, business, management, government policy, global security, and more. But with an affordable online aviation degree, you can complete a degree and swiftly enter this high-demand sector.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$55,700
Least Expensive (All students): Middle Georgia State University ~$18,393
We have identified 25 programs from 15 accredited institutions. These online degrees provide a high level of convenience and affordability, allowing you to enter the aviation industry with a high-quality, skills-driven degree.
From a bachelor of science in aviation maintenance to a bachelor of arts in aviation management, the right degree is waiting for you.
12 Cheapest Online Aviation Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Middle Georgia State University | (GA) | $18,393.00 | All Students |
2 | Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $24,190.00 | All Students |
3 | Utah Valley University | (UT) | $25,080.00 $31,200.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Athens State University | (AL) | $31,824.00 | All Students |
5 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $35,730.00 $45,632.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Hampton University | (VA) | $37,200.00 | All Students |
7 | Central Washington University | (WA) | $41,846.00 $129,743.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Lynn University | (FL) | $45,800.00 | All Students |
9 | LeTourneau University | (TX) | $47,500.00 | All Students |
10 | LeTourneau University | (TX) | $48,290.00 | All Students |
11 | Liberty University | (VA) | $49,292.00 $32,492.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | Kent State University | (OH) | $52,494.00 $53,694.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $58,400.00 $30,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $61,143.00 | All Students | |
Everglades University | (FL) | $108,881.00 | All Students | |
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology | (NY) | $119,700.00 | All Students | |
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology | (NY) | $120,635.00 | All Students | |
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology | (NY) | $122,505.00 | All Students |
Methodology for the Cheapest Online Aviation Degree Rankings
These rankings of the cheapest online aviation degree programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. To calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, then your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online aviation degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings of the cheapest online aviation degree programs are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online aviation degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online aviation degree must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
AABI Aviation Accreditation Board International
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Why Should You Get an Aviation Bachelor Degree Online?
Whether you want an exciting career or simply desire a high-paying job in a stable industry, here are some of the top reasons to consider aviation online degrees for your education:
- Salary: The aviation industry brings incredible salaries. Pilots have a median income of $148,900, while air traffic controllers earn a median of $132,250 a year.
- Exciting, fast-paced industry: There is little time for boredom in the aviation industry. Even if you’re not flying, this is a fast-paced, exciting industry that brings daily challenges.
- A growing field: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for air transportation workers will grow by 7%. This will include a need for more management, technology, and maintenance experts.
Aviation Bachelor Degree Online: The Cost
These programs offer affordable prices for students from all walks of life. Ranging from less than $19,000 for the cheapest online aviation degree to more than $122,000, there is a program that fits nearly any budget.
The average in-state cost for the aviation online degrees is $55,700. This is a large sum of money, but most of these degrees take at least four years to complete. This means the average per-year cost is about $13,925.
The average cost may seem high, but it’s driven up by a few programs that have unusually high prices. The most expensive aviation bachelor degree online is the Bachelor of Science in Airport Management from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. This program costs $122,505. The school also has two other programs priced around $120,0000, creating a disproportional impact on the average price. Only one other program (from Everglades University) is above $100,000. After these four degrees, the price drops to $61,143, which is only about $5,000 more than the average in-state cost.
There are 15 programs, out of a total of 25, priced below the average cost. This includes five programs priced below $32,000.
The cheapest online aviation degree is the Bachelor of Science Aviation Science & Management / Management from Middle Georgia State University. This degree has an estimated cost of only $18,393, a price that is available to in- and out-of-state students. With a four-year plan, the annual cost is about $4,600; not bad for an education that can lead to salaries over $100,000!
By researching program costs, you can find a degree that not only matches your career goals, but fits your specific budget.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Aviation Degrees?
Multiple programs in this database offer low prices for an online aviation degree. However, if a low cost is a high priority for your education, here are the three schools that offer the cheapest online aviation degree programs:
#1. Middle Georgia State University – Bachelor of Science Aviation Science & Management / Management
Cost: $18,393 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Middle Georgia State University operates its own school of aviation. This is an industry-respected group that has a large fleet of aircraft and its own air traffic control tower. The school also has an FAA-approved aircraft maintenance school and two airport terminals. Frankly, this institution’s faculty fully understand the aviation industry because they live it.
Graduates of this program can work in various roles throughout aviation. They can become experts in flight technology or work in air traffic control. There is also the chance to work in aviation management and become a leader in the industry.
Middle Georgia State University has a variety of online courses, including this BS in Aviation Science and Management with a track in Flight and Management. This program is available completely online.
#2. Florida Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Management
Cost: $24,190 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida Institute of Technology, one of the most respected colleges in science and skills-based careers, offers a BA in Aviation Management. As a BA (not a BS, see program types below), the degree covers theories of management and leadership, as well as technical skills focused on the aviation industry.
This degree gives students the chance to study flight training and aviation. When enrolled in this program, you can select the Air Traffic Controller specialization, which meets the requirements to work in this advanced profession. Students also complete 21 credit hours in aerodynamics, meteorology, and safety, creating well-rounded professionals who are ready to enhance the industry.
Florida Tech, which calls itself “Florida’s STEM university,” provides numerous online learning options. Graduates of this BA program can move into one of the related master’s degree programs, which include aviation management, aviation safety, and human factors in aeronautics. There is even a doctor of aviation program for talented, successful students.
#3. Utah Valley University – Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology Management
Cost: $25,080 (In-state, Utah)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online students at Utah Valley University have two choices for their bachelor of science degree. They can choose to study Aviation Management or Aerospace Technology Management.
The Aviation Management degree focuses on real-world needs within the aviation industry. Skills include airport management, aviation security, and financing.
The aerospace management degree shares many of the same classes, but there is a focus on aerospace products. Graduates learn to manage aerospace sustainability projects, customer support, business development, and manufacturing.
UVU is dedicated to flexible and convenient online learning. Students gain practical, industry-specific skills through an intuitive online platform.
Aviation Degree Program Types
All of these programs focus on the aviation industry. However, there are various types, specializations, and concentrations. Knowing these differences and aligning your program with your career goals is essential.
Many of these programs are bachelor of science (BS) degrees. Each is unique in its own right, but a BS program focuses on direct skills, scientific research, and technology used within the industry. A bachelor of arts (BA), on the other hand, may include theoretical and generalized knowledge. BA degrees in aviation may focus on management and leadership development as opposed to technical skills.
There are also numerous specializations and concentrations to consider. These degrees include specializations in management, technology, security, and more. Here are a few of the available concentrations for these aviation online degrees:
- Aviation science
- Aviation management
- Aerospace technology
- Aviation operations
- Business administration
- Airport management
- Aviation maintenance
As you can see, the degrees range from technical maintenance tracks to programs that closely parallel a business degree.
Accreditation for these Programs
All the degrees found in this database come from accredited schools. Accreditation is essentially the quality-control system for academia. Schools have institutional accreditation granted by regional groups. (It is also, therefore, known as regional accreditation.)
Accreditation is important for many reasons. The aviation industry, for obvious reasons, has many regulations and receives constant attention from government agencies. To ensure the experts in this industry have the right skills, accreditation is used to review and approve schools and degree programs.
Some degrees hold a type of accreditation known as programmatic, which applies only to the specific degree and not the entire institution. For example, a librarian degree may be accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation.
In aviation, there are two accrediting bodies: the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which accredits business and management degrees from various industries, including aviation management. In our database, only the degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University have programmatic accreditation.
Embry Riddle’s AABI-accredited programs include:
ACBSP-accredited programs at the university include:
- Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Technical Management / Aviation
Many programs do not have programmatic accreditation. That’s okay; as long as they have institutional accreditation from a regional group, they will deliver a quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements
Most bachelor’s degrees have fairly reasonable admission standards. In fact, the majority of applicants who try to enroll in a bachelor’s program will succeed. This includes an online aviation degree.
Each school is different, but you will need to submit transcripts from your high school and previous colleges. For example, if you have an associate’s degree from a community college, then you should submit your records from this school.
Certain programs may require a minimum GPA from previous studies. This GPA will be verified through your official transcripts. The school may also require previous courses that relate to aviation such as physics or calculus.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
The aviation industry is one of the most heavily regulated and monitored sectors in the market. Safety is a massive concern in aviation, but security and enforcement are critical as well. For this reason, many of the specialists working in the industry need licensing which, in this case, is administered by the federal government.
Air traffic controllers, for example, must graduate from an Approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program and. Once formal education is complete, they must finish training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. After they meet all the training and education requirements, they can apply for an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate.
Pilots have similar requirements. There are strict education and training guidelines, and pilots must meet FAA rules. There are multiple levels of pilot licenses, ranging from student pilot certificates to airline transportation pilot certificates.
Licensing and certification requirements in the aviation sector are critical. Therefore, it’s important that you graduate from an accredited institution, as accredited degrees are recognized by professional groups and government agencies.
Salary and Career Information for Aviation Professionals
If you work in the aviation sector, then you can expect a strong salary supported by a healthy industry. Specific numbers will depend on your education, skills, and experience, as well as the career you choose, but it’s reasonable to assume that earnings will be strong.
Air traffic controllers, for example, have excellent salaries. The median salary for all air traffic controllers is $132,250, while those working for the federal government (91% of all controllers) have a median salary over $140,000. The top 10% in this profession earn over $189,000 a year. Pay increases as you advance, so people with the right education and experience can expect top earnings.
Pilots earn strong salaries as well. The median annual salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers, according to the BLS, was a massive $211,790. Commercial pilots have a median salary around $103,000, while air transportation workers earn a median of $95,010.
Overall the field is stable and secure. Demand for air travel is expected to increase, creating a solid job market. The BLS predicts that the job field for air transportation workers will grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in about 148,000 jobs by the end of this ten-year period.
Get Your Aviation Career Off the Ground Today!
With so many options and an assortment of focus areas, it can be hard to select the perfect degree for your future. But it’s far from impossible. By following these steps, you can choose the right degree for your needs.
Start by finding a handful of degrees that fit your specific career goals and talents. Online aviation degrees typically come as business educations or maintenance programs, so choose a path that works for you. Review all programs for accreditation, and then review the overall program cost. Finally, research the program structure, including any in-person requirements.
With this simple process, you can find the right bachelor’s in aviation for your needs. With resources and information from GetEducated.com, you’ll have everything you need to make the best choice!