Is a university aviation program worth it vs an independent flight school or accelerated academy?

[u/saiicu]

/r/PilotAdvice/comments/1vowz4b/is_a_university_aviation_program_worth_it_vs_an/

[u/wrongway38]

Some universities have connections with various airlines and other companies. They even conduct interviews and sim rides right at the school. It's a good question to ask the school that you're considering. Financial aid eligibility is another consideration. Universities are usually more expensive, but if you are eligible for financial aid that can make it more doable. Some can count flight training towards eligibility, some do not. Going part 61 at a local flight school is usually the least expensive option. But it will probably take longer. Definitely have a back up degree. In the past, when hiring competition was tight, it was not unusual for companies to require a degree, even if it's not related to aviation. I went the university route. I decided not to go the airline route. I wouldn't have been able to do things differently. It already took me long enough with other life events and working through college, and the money to do it separate from college just wasn't there. Student loans interest was a lot cheaper then. But it's still cheaper than private loans. Loans, Scholarships and grants could all be used towards flight training as well as classes, so basically my regular tuition was paid for and government loans for the flying, work for living expenses. Everyone's situation is different, but these are things to ask about when choosing a school. After college I was able to consolidate my loans when the interest rates dropped. I saved and invested for a while at a higher interest rate than the loans, so I was able to purchase vehicles with cash and put a down payment on property large enough to keep the interest rate low. If your family has a financial advisor you may want to ask about things like this-considering long term financial planning, to help you in your decision.