3212L

Just looking for some input from anyone who has attended both Embry Riddle Aeronautical University online and Utah Valley University online. I'm looking to complete my undergrad degree and I have a year of general studies classes from a community college as well as a PPL (currently working on instrument). I decided to take one online class through ERAU's B.S. in Aeronautics program (intro to aeronautical science) and it was okay but almost seemed like an "everyone gets an A" type class though. Utah Valley University's B.S. in Aviation Science appears to be a good program (and similar to ERAU). One of the main differences that stands out to me is a state school (UVU) vs. a private school (ERAU) Just looking for input from anyone who has attended both schools and how the two compare. Thanks.

155mm

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) awards a lot of "challenge credit" for pilot licenses, military training, Cleps and airline training. They offer a BS online in Aviation. The cost of tuition is probably comparable to ERAU unless you reside in New Jersey (cheaper). Besides the Service Academies, I have flown with a lot of graduates from ERAU and UND. On occasion, I run into a UVU graduate. Don't know any from TESU.

You are obviously looking to get an aviation degree to use as a check mark on the application so as long as it is accredited, you should be good to go! Personally, I would choose a degree in business or something else, as a back up plan.

BSAST Degree in Aviation Flight Technology | Thomas Edison State University

As far as ERAU, I have only heard good things about the quality of instruction. However, the price tag is high! I have heard a mixed bag of comments from UVU graduates except they all said, "the price was right!"

Good Luck!

3212L

Thanks for the input/advice 155mm as well as the link to Thomas Edison State. If all goes as planned, I'll be retiring from law enforcement in 8 years and I plan on making aviation my second career. While I am looking to check the box, I would like to feel like I learned something along the way.

155mm

With a year of general ed. and a private/instrument, I would spend my money on a commercial single engine and a CFI before sinking any money into an online degree! TESU will award up to 60 credits for your pilot ratings for $300. Other schools award generous college credit for pilot ratings as well. In the mean time knock out the ratings first then build the flight time as a CFI while attending online school and working in law enforcement.

I would also consider the associates degree immediately after your CFI since you should have over the 60 credits with your general ed and ratings. TESU offers an associate in aviation support. Many Airlines now say, "the Bachelor degree is preferred" or a "college degree preferred" instead of "required". I am not saying don't get the BS, I am simply saying get the associates first and then look at bachelor programs strategically. Meaning, not necessarily in aviation!

http://www.tesu.edu/ast/aas/Aviation-Support.cfm

rpatte1637

I'm a graduate of UVU with a BS in Aviation Sciences. I flew for 4 years as an aerial pipeline inspection pilot and now work for ExpressJet. I decided to return to college about 20 years after completing my first couple of years, and found that the courses at UVU were just as good or better than anything that I taken at Georgia Tech and Macon Jr College in the mid 80's. Online does require a lot of work on your behalf, but if you are willing to put in the time, I believe that UVU can be just as good as any classroom study at any school across the nation. The main thing that I was looking for when I first decided to return to school again was the ability to get federal aid to help cover both my college courses and my flight training in Atlanta. Not only was this a good investment, but the low interest on federal loans made it even better. All together I spent about $50,000 to complete my bachelor's degree and flight training past the private pilot certificate that I already had. All in all, I am very happy that I choose UVU and have no problem recommending them to anyone.

jonnyjetprop

I just finished my BS in Aeronautics from ERAU Worldwide. It's a real degree program with real classes. The intro class you took was just that. I think you'll find future classes more challenging.