College + flight training
Concurrent enrollment at Take Flight Aviation and one of our partner universities. Full FAA pilot certificates plus an accredited bachelor's degree — pursued together, not back-to-back.
How it works
Most students complete a bachelor's degree and full FAA pilot stack concurrently — not consecutively. The key is choosing partners that count your flight training toward college credit.
Step 1
Enroll at Take Flight Aviation for flight training and at Purdue Global or UVU for your bachelor's degree.
Step 2
Complete PPL through CFI on TFA's Diamond fleet. Each rating converts to college credit through the partner.
Step 3
Online or hybrid coursework alongside flight training. Most general-ed credits transfer in from prior education.
Step 4
Walk away with a bachelor's degree and FAA Commercial + CFI in as little as 24 months.
Step 5
Continue at TFA as a paid CFI, building hours toward ATP minimums while earning income.
College partners
We've vetted partner programs for academic quality, transfer credit policy, and FAA pathway alignment. These are the two we recommend.
Online + concurrent
Online bachelor's program with structured aviation degree pathways. FAA ratings convert to credit through articulation agreement. Accredited, military-friendly, supports federal financial aid.
Best for: Career-changers, military veterans, students who prefer flexible online coursework alongside intensive flight training.
Online + concurrent
BS in Aviation Sciences with strong professional-pilot pathway. Online and hybrid coursework, FAA ratings convert to credit. Established aviation program with industry connections.
Best for: Recent high school graduates, traditional college-age students wanting a more conventional university experience alongside flight training.
Sample pathway
Month 0 (Start): Enroll concurrently at TFA and Purdue Global or UVU. Begin Private Pilot training and first semester of online coursework.
Months 0–9: Complete PPL → IFR → Commercial → Multi → CFI. Most students reach CFI around month 9. Each FAA rating earns college credit through the partner.
Months 9–24: Continue at TFA as a paid CFI, building hours toward ATP (~1,500 total) while completing remaining bachelor’s coursework. Most students graduate around month 24.
End of year 2: Walk away with a bachelor’s degree, FAA Commercial + CFI + CFII, and 800–1,200 logged flight hours toward ATP.
Why TFA for college aviation
Fleet
East Coast's largest private Diamond fleet. No waiting weeks for an airplane. PPL through CFI on glass-cockpit aircraft.
Career continuity
Most TFA CFIs are former TFA students. The career path doesn't require relocating after CFI checkride — you stay at TFA building hours.
Operational depth
Eight-year average. The curriculum and standards consistently produce ready candidates.
For partner institutions
If you’re a college aviation program director evaluating Northeast flight training partners, we’d welcome a conversation. We work with universities on articulation agreements, college credit conversion, scholarship coordination, and joint enrollment infrastructure.
Reach out to Ryan Mayo, President: ryan@takeflightoc.com
Common questions
How does flight training count as college credit?
Each FAA rating you earn (Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi, CFI, CFII) has a corresponding credit-hour value through the partner institution’s articulation agreement. Specific credit amounts vary by partner; Purdue Global and UVU advisors will walk you through their conversion tables.
Can I really finish in 2 years?
Yes — but only with intensive, consistent commitment. Most students who finish on the 2-year timeline are full-time flight students who pursue online coursework alongside training. Students with prior college credit (AP, dual enrollment, transfer credits) finish faster.
Will I have time for both?
Flight training is the time-intensive part. Online coursework is more flexible than traditional in-person classes. Most students dedicate weekdays to flight training and evenings/weekends to coursework
What about federal financial aid?
Federal aid (Pell Grants, federal student loans) typically supports the college portion through the partner institution. Flight training itself is financed separately — most students use the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® for Flight School with TFA’s school code 60962000.
Is this an R-ATP program?
R-ATP (Restricted ATP — 1,000-hour minimums for college graduates) has specific FAA requirements. We’re currently verifying which partners’ programs qualify for R-ATP minimums. Ask our advisor about current R-ATP eligibility — we’ll give you the honest answer.
Speak with our college pathways advisor to map out your specific timeline. No commitment.
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