So here is what I’m wondering. I currently live in Grand Rapids (about an hour north of WMU) and am looking to go to school for flight. The main question is anyone familiar with WMU’s flight program? Is it all its cracked up to be? I like it because its somewhat close which is nice, but it there one that is the best of the best? And finally, by the time I’ll be done, it will have cost me around $70,000 to go through the program, is that a good price or bad?
If you want to attend a collegiate flight program, WMU is one of the best. Look around at other programs as well so you make an informed decision, but you’ll probably find that WMU is your best option.
Some of the top collegiate flight programs include WMU, Ohio State, Purdue, UND, and Embry Riddle. Again, look at some of these yourself, but here’s my personal perspectives.
WMU Advantages: great program, good cost if you’re in state
Disadvantages: While the flight program has been around for a long time, its prominence has become national only in the last 15 years or so. Many people outside of the Midwest may not be familiar with the program, although that’s changing quickly.
Ohio State/Purdue Advantages: extremely respected schools overall with well known flight programs anywhere you go
Disadvantages: out-of-state tuition. They will most certainly cost more than WMU.
All of the above: Schools have a diverse range of academic specialties, so you’ll get a well-rounded education and plenty of opportunities to get involved with things outside of aviation.
UND/Embry Riddle Advantages: the largest and best known programs in the country, if not the world.
Disadvantages: Cost for sure. Being large programs, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Campus life will probably be less diverse than the other schools listed above.
Every school’s flight fees will be pretty comparable at the college level, so the main thing you are comparing in price is tuition.
***Keep in mind that no school anywhere can guarantee you a job in aviation. And you only get what you put into any college program. The more you time and effort you put in, the more valuable it is and the more marketable you will be. Don’t see a degree as a free pass to a job.
#1 by Lydia on September 8th, 2009
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Hi Kenny,
I went to WMU. Shop around. Definitely shop around. WMU is a good school for it’s specialities – Dance, Aviation, etc. But it’s very pricey, I paid $22,000 (with aid!) for my freshman year.
Good luck!
References :
#2 by Packerman on September 8th, 2009
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I did not go to WMU but do live in Livonia (city close to it). It is classified in the top 10 colleges of aviation. So they are good at what they do. You should check out Purdue, Ohio State, and maybe Northwestern for prices. They are also in the top 10. You have to also remember that almost all airlines do not look at what college you went to but your degree. So my advice would to be to look at many like WMU and pick the cheapest.
References :
#3 by Bizjet Flyer on September 8th, 2009
Quote
If you want to attend a collegiate flight program, WMU is one of the best. Look around at other programs as well so you make an informed decision, but you’ll probably find that WMU is your best option.
Some of the top collegiate flight programs include WMU, Ohio State, Purdue, UND, and Embry Riddle. Again, look at some of these yourself, but here’s my personal perspectives.
WMU Advantages: great program, good cost if you’re in state
Disadvantages: While the flight program has been around for a long time, its prominence has become national only in the last 15 years or so. Many people outside of the Midwest may not be familiar with the program, although that’s changing quickly.
Ohio State/Purdue Advantages: extremely respected schools overall with well known flight programs anywhere you go
Disadvantages: out-of-state tuition. They will most certainly cost more than WMU.
All of the above: Schools have a diverse range of academic specialties, so you’ll get a well-rounded education and plenty of opportunities to get involved with things outside of aviation.
UND/Embry Riddle Advantages: the largest and best known programs in the country, if not the world.
Disadvantages: Cost for sure. Being large programs, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Campus life will probably be less diverse than the other schools listed above.
Every school’s flight fees will be pretty comparable at the college level, so the main thing you are comparing in price is tuition.
***Keep in mind that no school anywhere can guarantee you a job in aviation. And you only get what you put into any college program. The more you time and effort you put in, the more valuable it is and the more marketable you will be. Don’t see a degree as a free pass to a job.
References :