Polk State College

Located in Winter Haven, Florida, Polk State College offers five different aviation programs— three associate degrees, one bachelor’s degree, and one certificate. This program takes a state-of-the-art approach to training that allows students from all degree paths to share knowledge and experience in a blended learning environment modeled on actual operations of the modern aerospace industry.

Program Highlights

Polk State offers its flight training at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), which is 35 minutes from the main campus.

Programs offered include:

• Associate of Applied Science
  • Professional Pilot Science
  • Aerospace Administration
  • Aviation Maintenance Administration
• Bachelor of Science
  • Aerospace Sciences
• Certificate
  • Aircraft Dispatcher

The flight program can be completed in two years and the school is part of Region 9 of the National intercollegiate Flying Association.

Value

In-state students will spend approximately $2,000 a semester, and an out-of-state student will spend about $7,500 a semester. These fees are for base tuition and do not include flight training.

Minimum flight costs, which get students through their commercial ticket, will be about $37,000. If students were to achieve all the elective ratings Polk State has to offer, such as commercial multiengine and flight instructor, they would spend about an extra $20,000. These figures are lower than most flight schools.

Polk State has a long list of scholarships available to students, including:
● Bailey Family Scholarship
● Institution Scholarships
● Horatio Alger National Career and Technical Scholarship Program
Students can also apply for outside scholarships for aviation students, as well. Veterans can also use benefits like the GI Bill to help pay for school.

Fleet and Facilities

Polk State has many different types of aircraft in its fleet, including:
● Cessna 152s
● Cessna 172s
● Piper PA44s

Campus Life

Polk State has many sports programs, including volleyball, soccer and basketball.

The school also offers an internship placement program to help students gain experience in their fields before graduation. The program also uses development workshops to ready students for industry careers.

The Bottom Line

Students who attend Polk State’s aviation program will have the use of state-of-the-art training facilities at an affordable cost. The school offers small class size, development programs, and sports. Polk State could be perfect for a student looking to become a professional pilot without breaking the bank.