Jatinsel

An ATP with many thousands of hours at a regional, looking to move up but missing the sought after degree. Have an Associates so am now looking for the quickest, cheapest way to get the Bachelors. Has anyone done this recently? Which college did you study through and how much did it cost? Really do not want to do a mundane degree in aviation but I suppose that way, I could use my flying experience as credit? All recommendations please!

TheBum

I was looking for a similar solution and the best i found was an online degree from TESU (Tommy Eddison University) and taking the credit for your ratings as well as previous school. (I have about 2yrs before I dropped out to pay for flight school). After enrolling in the required classed take the CLEP exams and clep out (entire websites dedicated to this) so you dont have to waste time in the classroom and save some cash.

(Full disclosure I am not currently enrolled, but plan to in the near future so I will be competitive by the time I have the hours needed for the big leagues.) This is the best solution I've found after spending a lot of time researching the quickest and cheapest way to check that box.

Jatinsel

Will look into that! Thank you!

tnkrdrvr

I totally understand the box check mentality. However, it’s tough to overstate the value of a degree that gives you options outside of aviation. Don’t be a one trick pony.

TransWorld

Yep, a degree in business, engineering, or sciences and one can get a decent paying job most any day. A degree in general studies qualifies you to become an over the road truck driver (not that there is anything bad about my friends who drive trucks. And they make a living). It is just not my cup of tea.

hercretired

a variety of Texas schools offer great (easy) online degrees. all fully recognized/certified and all with "real" campus's in case that perception matters

tallpilot

If you are an ALPA member, the deal they have with TESU is fairly good. With your associates degree already completed it should only be $2-3k for an aviation degree.

https://TESU.edu/alpa

I agree it would be nice to have a different concentration just in case. But the quickest cheapest route to a regionally accredited degree is aviation at TESU.

WindwardPilot

Find a college that has a traditional day-time curriculum and an expedited adult night time degree program.

Line up your grant funding and students loans ahead of time, while you have a job. Then take a leave of absense and take both day-time courses and night-time courses. Test out of as many credits as you can.

Treat it like a job, tell your instructors what you’re doing and most will map out test dates and paper due dates on the first day of class. If you do the work they will help you succeed.

Map out your courses from beginning to the end, with your counselor before you start. Knock it out.

I went from zero to accredited BS degree in 18 months. With a well known respected college.

If you need some extra income (besides loans) take a part time security guard job on a slow night shift. Read and do homework n between your rounds.

You can do this ... you’re half way there already.