Originally Posted by cs10281990
I could not find a place in this forum to post this, and since all of you have rela workplace experive, i am looking for your insight. I am looking for colleges, and have narrowed it down to University of North Dakota (UND), Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), and Embry Riddle (ERAU). I am a High School Junor with about 20 hours all in 172's. I will have my PPL before entry. I am looking to eventully be in a Legacy, National, or LCC. I am just looking for all of your insight and all your help is greatly appriciated.
Thanks!
Not FIT and DEFINITELY not ERAU. Barring a few anomalies, the practical and theoretical advantages of an aviation degree are imaginary, and what many have said here about having a backup, as well as simply becoming a more well-rounded individual, is 100% accurate. If I could use my Jedi mind control powers to influence your decision making I'd have you go to an inexpensive, but highly-ranked, state school like UF (which, incidentally, is where I'm going to grad school right now), and get your flight training at a local FBO. You might even be my student.

The social atmosphere at places like FSU and UF is something you won't find at any of those three schools you mentioned, and you may be regretful of missing that opportunity in the future.
As you enter the workforce after earning that aviation degree, you may find that you feel a certain inadequacy in your knowledge of anything outside the realm of aviation. Economics, business, and the sciences (the "science" classes in an aviation program are barely higher than high school-level) are not part of their programs. Instead, they pad the curriculum with simple subjects, bloated and stretched to meet three-semester hour and accreditation requirements. This is why some here have suggested that employers may even PREFER you to have a non-aviation degree: it shows you're not a one-dimensional av-monkey, and you have varied interests and education.
No one gave me this sort of advice when I decided on an aviation degree, but I wonder if I would have even listened. I have just as much of that "That's not gonna be ME!" mentality as the next man, and I'll bet you do too. Best of luck in whatever you decide, but choose wisely.