Ohio University

Located in Athens, Ohio, Ohio University offers two bachelor’s degree programs and one associate degree program targeted toward students who plan to work in the aviation industry. Ohio University’s aviation department has been training pilots for more than 70 years. This has allowed the school to fine-tune its program and make crucial partnerships with many industry partners.

Program Highlights

Ohio University is one of the few colleges that own its own airport to conduct flight training. Ohio University Gordon K. Bush Airport (KUNI) is only about a 15-minute drive from the main campus and supports GPS, ILS, LOC, and NDB approaches for student instrument training and public use.

Programs offered include:

• Bachelor of Science
  • Aviation Flight
  • Aviation Management
• Associate of Applied Science
  • Aviation Technology

Ohio University is part of National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s Region 3.

Value

Base tuition at Ohio University is average for a school of its size. In-state students will pay about $24,000 a year, which includes room and board. Out-of-state students will pay about $34,000. This is base tuition and does not include flight expenses.

On top of base tuition, students can expect to spend an extra $70,000-$80,000 over the course of four years to complete flight training.

In 2020, more than 98 percent of freshmen received financial aid, and 94 percent of all Ohio students received financial assistance such as grants, loans, scholarships, or federal work-study.

Aviation students can see outside aviation scholarships, such as the:

● Unitil Scholarship Fund
● West Virginia Engineering Science and Technology Scholarship Program
● Western Digital Scholarship Program

Ohio University accepts veteran’s benefits for academic and flight training.

The Russ College Department of Aviation has partnered with CommutAir, a United Express carrier, giving student pilots a direct path to CommutAir first-officer positions.

Fleet and Facilities

Ohio University offers a traditional fleet of aircraft to train students. It includes:

● Cessna 152s
● Cessna 172s
● Piper Arrows
● Piper Warriors
● Beechcraft Barons

Graduates of Ohio State University’s Part 141 bachelor’s degree flight program are eligible to obtain a restricted airline transport pilot certificate with as few as 1,000 flight hours.

Campus Life

Ohio University provides students with three residence hall options. The school allows students to customize their living space with carpet and linen changes, which most schools do not allow.

The university encourages students to get involved on and off campus. The school offers more than 550 student organizations from which to choose. Through the Center for Campus and Community Engagement, students can work hand in hand with faculty and staff to volunteer through community partnerships.

The Bottom Line

Students who attend Ohio University for aviation can be sure they are joining a solid program. They’d also have many opportunities to get involved on and off campus and work with industry leaders toward finding work in the industry.