Students who earn an associate’s degree in Avionics or in Aviation Maintenance typically study the specialized skills necessary to work in the modern aviation industry. All entry-level jobs in the field require the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant certification, and associate degree programs prepare students for the exam, as well as for the challenges they will face in the field. Jobs that graduates pursue include aircraft mechanic, aircraft restorer, aviation maintenance mechanic, and other similar jobs.
For our list of the top affordable avionics/aviation maintenance programs we started with a list of more than 30 such programs with a tuition under $8,000. These affordable programs were then ranked according to quality (based on graduation rate and student-teacher ratio reported on collegenavigator.gov).
The 10 top affordable associate degree programs in avionics/aviation maintenance are:
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Hinds Community College
- Enterprise State Community College
- Pasco-Hernando State College
- Miami Dade College
- Lincoln Land Community College
- Cochise College
- Southwestern Illinois College
- San Diego Miramar College
- Ivy Tech Community College
10. Ivy Tech Community College
Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance
Ivy Tech Community College offers a 64-credit associate’s degree program in aviation maintenance. This affordable program allows students to choose either the airframe or powerplant concentration. All classes take place at the aviation center at Smith Field Airport in Fort Wayne. The program takes four semesters to complete, and classes run in four-hour blocks during eight-, 10-, or 16-week sessions. Program instructors are relevant, with current involvement in the field.
Tuition: $7,208
9. San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, California
Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology
The associate’s degree program in aviation maintenance at San Diego Miramar College is a good option for those looking to earn an affordable associate’s degree. The 78-credit, five-semester program prepares students for entry-level positions in aviation maintenance. Flexible course selection and various degree and certificate options help students prepare for a variety of goals. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills needed to research, inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft in accordance with FAA regulations.
Tuition: $6,965
8. Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, Illinois
Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology
Southwestern Illinois College offers an affordable, 60-credit program for earning an associate’s degree in aviation maintenance. This two-year program is approved by the FAA, and it prepares individuals for all necessary FAA certification training. The school provides top-notch instructors, and all training takes place on updated, relevant equipment. Students can choose to specialize in either powerplant or airframe, or they can learn both. Transfer to a four-year program is optional.
Tuition: $6,784
7. Cochise College
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician Associate of Applied Science
At Cochise College, students can earn an affordable AAS degree in unmanned aircraft systems. This unique program was designed for UAS technicians currently in the military seeking to improve their credentials and career prospects. The 60-credit program focuses on mechanical and electronic aircraft systems. Military credit may be applied toward the degree based on skill level, training, and previous coursework.
Tuition: $6,446
6. Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, Illinois
Associate of Applied Science in Airframe and Powerplant Aviation Mechanics
Lincoln Land Community College offers the only aviation mechanics program in central Illinois. This affordable associate’s degree program prepares students to take the FAA certification exams, while working toward their degree. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with the repair and maintenance of modern engines and airframes. The curriculum covers 34 subject areas and can be completed in less than two years.
Tuition: $5,495
5. Miami Dade College
Miami, Florida
Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Management
At Miami Dade College, students can earn an associate’s degree in aviation maintenance management in two years. This affordable, 83-credit program is designed as a special program of study in which 45 credits are awarded to students who already possess the FAA A&P license. The school offers flexible learning options for many courses, including online and hybrid teaching methods. Students will receive a well-rounded education as they learn about aviation law, aircraft dispatcher and flight crew duties, business policies, and the function of airplane operations.
Tuition: $4,998
4. Pasco-Hernando State College
New Port Richey, Florida
Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Administration
Pasco-Hernando State College offers an affordable option for an associate’s degree in aviation maintenance administration. The 60-credit, two-year program offers a sequence of courses that prepare aviation maintenance technicians for administrative and management positions. The curriculum provides training in the history of aviation, safety, human error, and weather, and it places an emphasis on maintenance, repair and overhaul, and the scheduling of fleet maintenance. To earn their degree, students must complete all requirements for the FAA A&P certification.
Tuition: $4,637
3. Enterprise State Community College
Enterprise, Alabama
Avionics Technology Associate in Applied Science
The AS program at Enterprise State is a great option for those looking to earn an affordable associate’s degree in avionics technology. This affordable program teaches students to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain communication and navigation radios, weather radios, autopilots, onboard computers, transponders, and other equipment associated with aircraft communication. 73 credits are needed to graduate. The college also offers an AAS program in aviation maintenance technology, specifically preparing for training in either airframe or powerplant technology.
Tuition: $4,401
2. Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi
Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance
At Hinds Community College, students can earn an affordable AAS in aviation maintenance. The program prepares individuals to inspect, repair, service, and overhaul aircraft engine components and systems. Students will learn aviation maintenance, as well as the theories of operations for various aircraft systems. Successful competition of four semesters earns students a technical certificate, and with the completion of 15 more credits, students will earn their AAS. Competition of 79 to 81 credits is required to graduate, and graduates will be fully prepared to pass the FAA A&P examination.
Tuition: $4,045
1. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Administration
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers the best option for an affordable associate’s degree in aviation maintenance. This 60-credit program meets all FAA standards for training and education. Through practical training, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions in the aviation maintenance industry. Program participants will have the opportunity to work with aircraft, engines, and their subsystems. Graduates will be fully prepared to take the FAA A&P mechanic certification exams. The school also offers an 83-credit program in aviation maintenance management.
Tuition: $3,306
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