Which College should I attend in Fall 08?
 

Hello everyone I'm Matthew a 17 y.o. high school senior who wants to fly :D I have applied to many schools and have gotten accepted to all of them. Florida Tech(FIT), Embry-Riddle(ERAU), Dowling College, 2 more other ones. I cannot decide which one to attend. I just visited both ERAU and FT last week and I liked both of them (except the sticker shock). A few months back I also visited Dowling College on the tip of Long Island, NY.
I know that FIT and ERAU are the big names for Aviation and Debt, but I was wondering if anyone has met/knows/is a pilot who graduated from Dowling's College of Aviation. I'm just trying to figure out at which schools can I get the following (without considering cost), 1. The most flight time, 2. A good internship, 3. The best education.
I know my Uncle graduated from ERAU and is now a 777 pilot for United. My ultimate goal would be to fly the 777 or dare I say the 787! I am working to get a PPL at my local airport in a part 61 program. That would save me an estimated $15,000 at ERAU

Just give me your thoughts on which college is the best, and why. All responses appreciated.

Have you considered Auburn University? Vastly cheaper than ERAU, 24k students so you can still chase tail and have fun, decent equipment, plus not to mention one of the premier football programs in the country! :D

What can I say, I'm biased.

College is college, though. Why not pay less, do more, and get just as far if not further?

I guessing that your are from New York. Than why don't you just attend SUNY Farmingdale State College. They offer a bachelor degree in aviation. And the price seems reasonable. Their instate tuition is around 5000 per year. http://www.farmingdale.edu

North Dakota

Purdue, but I'm biased, and out of state tuition is pretty steep.

Of course you don't need an avaition degree to be a pilot. You could always go to any college and work on your certs when you can(summer, breaks, etc.). Lots of choices. Good Luck whichever way you choose.

I'm think i am going to go to ERAU, im not 100% positive on that though.

Go to college where you can fly and socialize(code for chase women). I just spent a weekend layover in Tucson(home of U of A) and it made me wish I was 21 again! I personally would stay away from an aviation only school.

For the value, you can't beat the idea of attending SUNY at in-state tuition rates. I am partial to state colleges because in many cases they are of excellent quality and offer as good an education as aviation schools at half the cost. They can do this because they receive federal & state funding. Local FBOs (FBO means fixed base operator, a for-profit flight school) offer adequate flight training for far less than aviation collleges as well. SUNY may have a good flying club, in which case I would consider it an excellent option. If you go the state college route you can stay out of debt, which is something you want to do in a piloting career, and you will get a degree in something that is useful as an alternative to flying in case you ever need it. Whether you go through a flying club or an FBO you will obtain your flight ratings at a huge savings over going to an aviation college. I am not against the latter and in fact have numerous colleagues that graduated from Embry Riddle, but state colleges offer useful degrees as well and the tuition is unbeatable.

I wish I lived in NY, sadly I'm living in NJ so I wouldn't get the in-state rates, and the price would be 7,000 less than ERAU or FT for me to go to SUNY.

I was able to get about $9,000 in scholarships at both ERAU and FT. I need to find more!

what campus? AZ or FL

The Daytona Beach, Fl campus

I just graduated from Florida Tech last May. I loved it, the campus is beautiful, it's in Florida, and Melbourne's not a bad place. Lots of fishing and lots of kayaking, if you're into that (it's a nice way to get the marine bio girls to spend some time with you). The number of students in the aviation department is relatively small, so you never need to worry about finding planes, and you can get really close to your profs. We'd go out on the weekends and go to the bars with them, or they'd come and hang out at our house parties. Lots of top-notch profs there, and the education you'll receive is excellent. I finished all my actualy flight training (up to Commercial AMEL), if I recall correctly, at the end of my Sophomore year. After that, I took a bunch of electives, such as Air Taxi, which is about 12 - 15 hours in a Seminole... basically a way to get some additional multi-time (and also to fill a slot for one of my electives). I used that time to fly a girl I knew up to her home in NC, and we spent the weekend. I also took an aerobatics course, which was awesome, and an International Ops. course, where you spend an entire day flying around the bahamas. I don't think I took any flight courses my Senior year, I used that time to concentrate on the more difficult upper-level classes during the first half. The second half of my Senior year, I only had 9 "required" credits left, but I had to take an elective to keep my "full-time student" status. I had class 2 days a week.

Three things convinced me to go to Florida Tech:
- The reputation. People do say good things about Florida Tech.
- The campus. ERAU was too urban for me. Too many buildings, not enough trees. Florida Tech has that botanical garden which, as cheesy as it sounds, is pretty cool to walk around. Go in there and have some lunch, or do a little studying... it's nice there. Overall, I really liked the campus.
- The student body. At ERAU, you're surrounded by aviation, and aviation only. Florida Tech has everything; aviation, engineering, marine bio... It's nice to have people around to have non-aviation conversations with.

We've got plenty of internships available. You said you visited Florida Tech, so I assume you met with Paul Davis? He's in charge of internships, and he does a good job. The wall outside his office is COVERED with possibilities. He's willing to help you out with anything, and will tell you whatever you need to know.

There are PLENTY of scholarships that are available to you. If you want the name of the contact there, just send me a PM.

I applied to both Dowling and Florida Tech; I didn't apply to ERAU, but when I visited, they told me right there that they'd accept me. I visited ERAU and Florida Tech, and fell in love with the latter. I didn't need to visit Dowling, bc I did my private training in the same building as they do. You're not from NY, but you're close, so maybe you know about BOCES. My high school paid for my PPL, and I got it at the Suffolk Aviation Academy, which used to be in the same building as Dowling.

Florida Tech and Dowling both accepted me, but Dowling didn't offer me enough of a scholarship to justify winters in NY.

Don't let the high price tag of Florida Tech fool you. I'm only about $10 or $14,000 in debt (before interest) after four years. Not bad at all if you ask me. That's much less than what I would've paid at Dowling, and DEFINATELY less than ERAU. Scholarships and grants help out A LOT, you just need to find them.

I can't push Florida Tech enough. You don't get that "big-school" feeling that you'd get at Auburn, but you won't get that at ERAU either.

As far as location, climate, education, and cost are concerned, Florida Tech (IMO) is the way to go. I don't regret going there one bit.



If you've got any questions AT ALL about Florida Tech, just send me a PM.

EDIT: Not sure if you're able to PM, so if not, then you can send an email to [email protected]

That is one thing that I like yet at times dislike about ERAU, it is all aviation, but if thats what you love it is a great place.

I know 2 recent grads from Dowling, and as far as I know, neither of them have jobs as of right now, and the college didn't really help them in the job search either.

Knightmare:

I graduated from ERAU in 1987. I've enjoyed working in Airport Management & Operations. I was flight student (Air Science Prog.), but had to transfer out and into Air Studies w/AOC in Airport Management b/c of personal reasons.

At any rate, try UCF, USF or even FGCU located in the Naples/Ft. Myers area. I lived in Naples for two years. Major in Business or Accounting and fly at the local airport. You'll save a ton of cash. Lots of woman in SW Florida.


Blue skies.



atp

The best advice I can give is to have fun and enjoy college while you are there because you only go one. Have fun and enjoy what you are studying and you flight. Pick the school whose culture, campus, social and academic atmosphere fit you. But most of all while you are out having fun remember to be smart and safe, DUIs can destroy or hurt a career and even small things like tickets (multiple) can hurt you too.

While you are in school studying to become a 777 pilot remember ****** happens so pick a minor or a second major so you have a contingency plan just in case. I chose ERAU Prescott because it fit me and I liked the safety minor they offered. I am now on my way to the safety masters program so I have something else I can do and still be in aviation, just in case.

Good luck in college and have fun.

I did meet with Paul Davis, I sat through one of his classes and he had a fun activity where you would determine what type of pilot you were. I ended up with a score of 40 which meant i was a macho pilot. After that I sat down with him for about an 1 hour, and instead of trying to outline why Florida Tech is where I should go, he told me how the business works, what my options can be, and what my options after college are. He was a great person to speak with about the program. I ate lunch on campus and then drove over to the flightline to take a sample flight with a nice kid (i forgot his name). We did some steep bank turns and a stall/ stall recovery and then flew over campus. I was very impressed with Florida Tech's presentation and right now I cannot decide to whether to go to ERAU or FT.

As for Dowling, I got a 1/2 tuition scholarship, but I hate New Jersey winters so why the heck would I want to spend 4 yrs in NY where the winters suck even more. I also like the school, but it's incredibly small the college of aviation only have about 130 students enrolled for Fresh through Senior years.

So now it's between FT and ERAU, as of now FT is cheaper by $1,000. I know ERAU is supposed to be the "Harvard of Flight Schools" but do airlines really care?

NOPE!

"I see you went to ERAU...now tell me about your 121 and/or military experience, did anyone walk your resume in?"

Long Island winters are no worse than NJ...and you don't have the stench that lingers year round...:D

I'm on the Jersey Shore the only stench is the one coming from the "Bennies" (New Yorkers) that pollute our beaches in the summer.


Anyways I called up both FT and ERAU, and I told ERAU that I was also accepted to FT. 2 seconds later I was forwarded to a guy name jim or something and he "magically found" some scholarships I can apply for! FT also had some scholarships too!Tough choices.

Lol, after I pick which college I'm going to I have to find a date for prom, YAY Teen Stress!!!!!!

Well, you are leaving out one college I seriously recommend you check into.

MTSU

Middle Tennessee State University.

Has a top notch Aerospace program, that costs aboutu half of what Riddle will.

Youwill fly newer planes, Mostly DA20 and DA40's with 9 DA40's with full g1000 glass cockpits, more on the way.

I know dozens of guys that are currently enrolled there. I happen to be a former student there myself.

The weather in TN is nice enough. Has mostly mild winters, and very nice spring and fall. The summer is typically hot and dry.

I have found a few coworkers who went to ERAU who have $1,300/month loans for 30 years. I don't know if you see this as something to look forward to in an industry that pays dirt when you start. I would look elsewhere.

I think my time at WMU was great. College atmosphere with 30,000 students on the campus. You'll have a typical college life, and you'll get your flying done for less than ERAU. A ticket is a ticket doesn't matter where you got it. I would suggest going to WMU, UND, or somewhere else that doesn't cost you for the rest of your life.

Knightmare, fyi, Florida Tech should soon be getting a new fleet of Pipers. They were going to go with Diamonds, but they got some sense knocked into them and went with the tried and true.

If he feels that way about the Northeast, I don't think he'll enjoy WMU or UND too much :D. You'd never see me preflighting in -25 and 40kt winds, unless I'm getting paid for it.

They're definately cheaper than the FL schools, but for me at least, the cheaper cost wasn't enough to bear four winters up there. And for me, it worked out well. As I said, I walked away from Florida Tech only about $10K in debt, payable over 20 years. Obviously interest will destroy you if you actually wait that long, but I should have that all paid off in no more than four years.

Any school will be cheap if you know where to find the money, and keep your GPA up. Florida Tech will actually tell you about the money, not hide it until you start considering other schools.

I just began my flight lessons, so I should hopefully have a PPL by the time I go to school.

Option 1:
Stay at home and do community college with flight training at local FBO. Save the money, both ways. Transfer in with credits. Get the CFI at your school of choice after transfering in, and by graduation, you have the degree and the hours to do really whatever you feel like

Option 2:
You dont heed this advice. Instead, you copy and paste this to others in the next couple of years because you are a couple more thousand in the hole from doing the 4 year program at that school where all you got was a piece of paper. Remember, your flight certificate just says what you are rated for, not where you got it and how much you paid for it.

Go to best school for the least amount of money at your best convenience and find an FBO to both work and fly. Get your degree in whatever you want. And of course have a blast. You only get to experience college life once.... so enjoy it. Time it so you are ready to move on in aviation by the time you graduate and have saved tens of thousands of dollars.... you will be glad you did.

seems to me a lot of todays universities with aviation programs have bridge programs to a regional...i would look into that!....unless you want to do it the old fashioned way(like i did):eek: and flight instruct, banner tow, fish spot, 135 charter, cropdust..etc..etc...good luck

How about the University of North Dakota? I loved it there! Great program, great college life, just a thought.

way too cold!

Knightmare- as you can tell a lot of opinions surface with regard to an education in Aviation. For as many folks out there who admire an ERAU there are just as many who think youre a total idiot for spending what you did. point is not sure it really does much for ya in this networking business. Also should mention - usually you become a resident after one year of living somewhere. Enjoy college and plan for a life after college on a very limited salary. Good luck -

Matthew,

Drop me a P.M. if you are still considering ERAU, specifically the D.B. campus. I am an active participant in their A.S.K. (Alumni Sharing Knowledge) program and serve on ALPA's Education Committee which allows us to visit various colleges/universities with flight training. I see another member on here posted about MTSU. MTSU is hosting the NIFA Safecon in a few weeks (May 4-10) which will bring students from all over the country to compete at various collegiate level flying tasks. If your schedule allows, I suggest checking it out.

I realize the financial commitment is enormous. If you end up going to ERAU and need further assistance, they have a program where certain alumni can endorse prospective students and the students will receive $1,000 annually up to a total of $4,000 (4 -years), ideally before they've accepted enrollment. A student may only receive one endorsement, but I may endorse as many as I so choose.

This is for any of you considering an education at ERAU. Every penny helps. If I ever can, let me know. I will be speaking at the university in the coming year. There are many opinions on this website, and this forum specifically. Though I am biased, I have flown with many well educated and excellent pilots from all walks of life and backgrounds. Good luck all!

anyone know anything about ASU? the school in general and their aviation program?

i kinda miss the college life... wouldn't mind going back... finish my degree and instructing for a school. not exactly sure where i'd want to go tho.

Im going to a Community college Currently...After 2 years i plan on attending ATP, where I can Get my flight training done Quickly and get right into a seniority list. Because the courses that you take at ATP, You can receive college credits. The credits that you receive while your at ATP, and the credits you got from a 2 year college, you can receive a degree in aviation.
ERAU is a great institution, but its just not practical anymore. If you can get to where you want to be in a cheaper and quicker way, why take the long and expensive route?
With the money you want to pay Embry riddle, Go fly a Twin.
Plus ERAU is 80% Men, and 20% women... And the women that go there are ruff, there into welding and stuff...But if you like ERAU go ahead, dont let me discourage you...plus you'll be in Florida..who doesnt like florida?

Check out the college degree program that ATP offers...
http://www.atpflightschool.com/airli...ge_degree.html

I'll throw one out there for Kent State University. It's not ERAU or UND but it's a great school, with a girl to guy ratio of 3/1 or something like that! But seriously it's a small program with a 150-200 students and about 25 planes. Northeast Ohio is not the greatest location but you will get good at flying in IMC and dealing with weather. Another great thing is if you decide that flying isn't for you, you have the choice of changing major w/o leaving the school like some Aviation schools.

Oh and KSU is way cheaper than most other places (not sure about out of state fees but half of the flying program was from PA/NJ).....and with a little help from uncle sam I have paid off all my student loans in less than 3 years from graduation.

Goodluck!!!

Whatever school you go to if you pass the checkrides you'll still get the same little blue cards....just be careful if your student loans (plus interest after grad) are more than your income, you might have a slight problem.
A degree in aviation = generally not a good investment

The solution is right around the Corner!
 

HEY, NIGHTMARE!

You said you are from NJ right?

Go to Mercer County Community College. They Have a great aviation program based out of KTTN (Trenton Mercer Airport). Get your 2 year degree and then transfer, if thats what you want, and get nailed at ERAU or.......whatever.
Going to Mercer will save you big bucks, get you the same ratings and give you a 2 year college degree.

WIN-WIN SITUATION.

If you haave any questions PM me.

C ya!


TI-:D

I suggest Southeastern Oklahoma State University. They have an out of state tuition waiver program based on your GPA. The program is great, and you can most likely get an instructing job the day you get your CFI. The alumni association is strong, and the professors are awesome. I got out of there for somewhere around $45,000, but that was a few years ago. They have some newer glass airplanes as well. PM me for more info.

Sorry i haven't been here in a while, busy year.

This is where i'm going and what i plan to do. I will be attending Embry-Riddle in a few weeks as an Aeronautical Science, but in the Spring Semester i will be changing that to a Business Major with Flight. That way i can still do all my flying and get a education in business that way i have something to fall back on incase i lose my medical or the whole industry goes to **** (if it hasn't already). My uncle persuaded me to do this ( a United 777 captain, erau alumni).

In Spring 2008 i worked on an got my PPL in under 3 months at a local flight school at KBLM (Monmouth-Exec) so i'm going to be working on intrusment and commercial my freshman year. My whole goal is to get as many hours as possible. I love flying thus far and would like to continue flying for the rest of my life. I know some people hate Embry-Riddle and what not, but i decided to go there because i got scholarships and grants and it came out to be cheaper than Florida Tech and for the most part Virginia Tech (b4 adding flight fees).

My dream is to fly the big heavies and i hope to get there one way or another.


-Matthew

May God have mercy on your soul

Knightmare - My dream is to fly the big heavies and i hope to get there one way or another.

Well I'll have to agree with Ryan on this one... ERAU just like any program can not guarantee that you'll go anywhere in aviation, let alone get you flying Heavies. Good luck anyway though.