How to pay for flight school

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Becoming a pilot or other aviation professional is all about skill, responsibility, and earning the trust to move people safely through the sky. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aviation or completing professional flight training, your education can lead to a high-demand, high-responsibility career.

But before you log your first flight hour, you need a smart plan to pay for it. From understanding total training costs to maximizing scholarships and borrowing carefully, this guide walks you through how to pay for flight school step by step—so you can focus on your future in the cockpit.

Key steps to paying for flight school

Paying for flight school works best when you take a practical, step-by-step approach.


  1. Understand costs and future earnings. Look beyond tuition. Include flight hours, aircraft rental, equipment, exams, and living expenses—then compare that number to expected pilot salaries.
  2. Maximize free money. Start with scholarships, grants, and financial aid before turning to loans.
  3. Borrow smart. Compare federal and private school loans. Cut costs where you can and only borrow what you need so you can manage payments after your training is completed.

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1. Understand costs and future earnings

Flight training is structured differently than many other degrees. Flight hours are often billed separately, and costs can change depending on pace and performance. Getting clear on your full cost early makes everything else easier.

How much does flight school cost?

Costs vary depending on whether you’re earning a degree or completing standalone certifications.

Undergraduate aviation degree programs

Annual tuition (approximate):

  • Public universities (in-state): $15,000–$30,000
  • Public universities (out-of-state): $25,000–$40,000
  • Private institutions: $35,000–$60,000+

When you add housing, fees, books, and personal expenses, total annual costs often reach:

  • Public (in-state): $25,000–$40,000+
  • Public (out-of-state): $35,000–$55,000+
  • Private institutions: $45,000–$75,000+

Over four years, total costs can range from $100,000 to $300,000+, depending on school and location. Some programs bundle flight hours into tuition. Others charge separately—so always confirm what’s included.

Professional flight training (non-degree)

Certification-based programs typically include:

  • Private pilot license: $10,000–$20,000
  • Instrument rating: $8,000–$15,000
  • Commercial pilot license: $20,000–$40,000
  • Multi-engine and instructor ratings: additional costs

Students pursuing airline careers may invest $60,000–$100,000+ in total training.

Additional costs may include:

  • Aircraft rental and instructor time
  • Fuel surcharges
  • FAA exams
  • Medical certifications
  • Required equipment
  • Simulator time

Because training is performance-based, needing extra flight hours can increase your total investment.

Why flight school costs vary

Not all flight programs are the same. A few key factors can influence your total investment: 

• Degree vs. certification path: A four-year aviation degree includes broader academic coursework and living expenses, while standalone flight certifications may cost less overall but often require substantial upfront payments for flight hours.

• Required flight hours: The total number of hours needed to earn certifications—especially for commercial and airline careers—can significantly increase overall training costs.

• Aircraft type and technology: Training in newer aircraft with advanced avionics systems or high-tech simulators may raise costs, but can also better prepare you for modern airline fleets.

• Program pace: Accelerated programs may reduce living expenses by shortening your timeline, but they typically require larger payments in a shorter period of time.

• Geographic location: Housing costs, fuel prices, airport fees, and general cost of living vary by region and can meaningfully affect your total investment.

Two programs with similar tuition can end up costing very different amounts once flight hours and living expenses are factored in.

How to find your full cost of attendance (COA)

Tuition alone doesn’t tell the full story. Look at:

  • What flight hours are included
  • Hourly aircraft and instructor rates
  • Equipment and exam fees
  • Housing and living expenses

Use Scout College Search to compare aviation programs side by side and review estimated total costs—not just tuition.

If you’re considering a graduate aviation program, it may also help to explore what a master’s degree is and whether it’s right for you before choosing your next step.

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How much do flight instructors and pilots make?

Understanding earnings helps put your investment into perspective. Typical annual salary ranges (approximate):

  • Flight instructors: $40,000–$70,000
  • Regional airline pilots: $60,000–$100,000+
  • Major airline pilots (with seniority): $150,000–$250,000+
  • Corporate or charter pilots: $90,000–$180,000+

Early earnings may be lower while building required hours. Over time, seniority and airline placement can significantly increase pay. As you plan your funding strategy, make sure your borrowing aligns with your expected starting salary and long-term career goals.

2. Maximize free money

Free money should always come first. Every dollar you receive in scholarships or grants is one less dollar you may need to spend out of pocket or take out in loans.

In 2025, scholarships and grants covered 27% of total college costs, making them the second-largest funding source overall—and 75% of students said scholarships made college possible.

Source: How America Pays for College 2025

Federal aid and the FAFSA®

If you’re enrolled in a degree-granting aviation or flight program at an eligible school, completing the FAFSA is required to access federal student loans and may also help unlock certain grants Even if you don’t expect need-based aid, filing keeps your options open. For step-by-step help, see our FAFSA Guide.

Standalone flight schools may not qualify for federal aid—confirm eligibility before enrolling.

Aviation grants and airline pathway programs

Some aviation students qualify for school-based scholarships, aviation association grants, or airline-sponsored pathway programs. Airline programs may offer tuition assistance or conditional job offers tied to employment commitments, so review all terms carefully before accepting.

What scholarships are available for flight students?

Scholarships are powerful because they don’t need to be repaid—and there's no limit to how many you can apply for. Start with resources like aviation scholarships and graduate student scholarships.

Use Scholly Scholarships to search for awards that match your background, major, and career interests. For a simple, stress-free start, check out our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship, and Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships.

Even smaller awards can reduce how much flight training you need to finance.

3. Borrow smart

Even after scholarships and grants, many students use loans to cover remaining costs. The goal is to borrow thoughtfully—so your loans support your career instead of limiting your options.

Federal vs. private student loans

Federal student loans are often a good starting point. They’re issued by the U.S. Department of Education and may offer options private loans don’t, such as income-driven repayment programs.

Private graduate student loans, offered by banks and other lenders, can help fill funding gaps once you’ve maximized scholarships, grants, and federal borrowing.

Federal student loans for flight students

Your federal loan options will depend on your program level.

Undergraduate federal loans

You may qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. If those don’t cover your full cost, a parent may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan for Parents (Parent PLUS), which requires a credit check. Learn more in our Federal PLUS Loan Guide.

Graduate federal loans

As a grad student, you may qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These don't require a credit check, but interest gets added as soon as the funds get disbursed. What's more, recent federal loan changes have lowered borrowing limits for graduate students

As of July 1, 2026, graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per year ($100,00 lifetime).

Because some programs exceed these limits—and the federal graduate PLUS loan program has ended—it’s important to plan ahead. To understand how recent updates may affect your funding plan, review Sallie Mae's guide to federal PLUS loan changes.

Using private student loans to fill the gap

If scholarships and federal loans don’t cover your full cost, private loans may help bridge the difference.

Some students explore Sallie Mae® flight school loans for undergraduate or certification programs. Advanced degree-seeking students may consider Sallie Mae® graduate student loans.

Before you borrow…

Even after scholarships and grants, many aviation students rely on loans to cover remaining costs. The goal isn’t just to secure funding—it’s to build a plan that works for your training timeline and your early-career earnings.

  • Review your federal aid offer. Look closely at your full package. Separate grants and scholarships (which don’t need to be repaid) from federal. Confirm what flight hours are included in tuition and what you’ll need to pay separately.
  • Factor in federal borrowing limits. Federal loans come with annual and lifetime caps. Flight programs—especially multi-year degree paths or hour-intensive training—can exceed those limits. Make sure you understand how those caps affect your total funding plan. For details, check out Sallie Mae's guide to PLUS loan changes. 
  • Think long term. Your income may be lower at the beginning of your career while you’re building flight hours. Consider how your expected starting salary aligns with what you plan to borrow. Use a loan calculator to preview what monthly payments could look like.

Borrowing smart isn’t always about getting the lowest rate—it’s about making sure your training investment supports your long-term aviation goals. For more guidance, explore the Sallie Mae's Student Loan Guide. 

Are there other ways to pay for aviation school?

You may also reduce costs through:

  • School payment plans
  • Airline cadet or pathway programs
  • Military aviation education benefits
  • Employer assistance
  • Part-time work (for degree programs)

Combining funding sources can lower how much you need to borrow.

Build a plan that supports your future in flight

Paying for flight school starts with clarity. Understand your total costs. Go after scholarships early and often. Borrow only what fits your career plan.

With the right funding strategy, you can focus on building hours, sharpening your skills, and preparing for a long-term career in aviation. Aviation school isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in a career built on skill, trust, and opportunity.

Frequently asked questions

FAQs about paying for flight school

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA for flight school?

If you’re attending an eligible degree-granting program, yes. The FAFSA  is required for federal loans and may help unlock certain grants.

What federal loans are available for flight students?

Undergraduates may qualify for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Graduate students typically use Direct Unsubsidized Loans, subject to annual and lifetime limits.

Are there limits on how much I can borrow?

Yes. Federal loans have annual and lifetime caps, which makes planning ahead important for higher-cost flight programs.

What scholarships are available for flight school?

Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or sponsored by aviation organizations and airlines.

Are small scholarships worth applying for?

Yes. Smaller awards can add up and reduce how much you need to finance.

Should I use private loans for flight school?

Private loans can help cover remaining costs after scholarships, grants, and federal loans. Consider terms carefully and borrow only what fits your expected earnings.

What if scholarships and federal aid aren’t enough?

If free money and federal loans don’t cover your full cost, a private student loan may help fill the gap when used responsibly.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics; U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (loan limits and eligibility). 

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