Graduate with a pilot license and Purdue Global degree

Earn your FAA pilot certificates and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight in one integrated program. Students can complete both their flight training and Purdue Global degree in as little as three years through one of two pathways:

Option 1

Begin flight training and your Purdue Global degree at the same time, completing two courses per term to graduate in three years.

Option 2

Start your Purdue Global degree 12 months after beginning flight training, completing three courses per term to finish the degree in two years.

Whichever pathway you choose, you will study for your Purdue Glboal degree remotely online and have the opportunity to work as a Flight Instructor with Acron Aviation after 12 months, earning a salary while completing your degree. Whether you're a high school graduate planning your future or a career changer pursuing your dream of becoming a pilot, this flexible program gives you a valuable competitive advantage.

Most aspiring aviators face a difficult choice:

• Go to college first and delay flight training
• Complete flight training first and put off earning a degree

With the Acron Aviation Academy and Purdue Global pathway, you don't have to choose. You'll complete your professional flight training, earn a respected bachelor's degree, and build valuable flight hours at the same time.

Year 1: Complete your flight training

Train full-time through Acron Aviation Academy's Professional Pilot Program (PPP) and earn the FAA certifications and ratings required to become a commercial pilot:

• Private Pilot Certificate
• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On

If you choose option 1 - to start pilot training and Purdue Global degree at the same time - you will complete two courses per semester in Year 1.

Years 2–3: Complete your degree while getting paid to fly

After completing your flight training, you'll continue your Purdue Global degree while having the opportunity to work as a Flight Instructor at Acron Aviation Academy.

If you choose option 1 - to start pilot training and Purdue Global degree at the same time - you will complete two courses remotely per semester in years 2 and 3.

If you choose option 2 - to complete pilot training before commencing your Purdue Global degree - you will complete three courses remotely per semester years 2 and 3.

During this time, you can:

• Earn a salary after 12 months
• Build toward the FAA-required 1,500 flight hours while studying
• Gain valuable real-world flight experience
• Continue progressing toward airline hiring minimums

Earn a bachelor's degree backed by Purdue

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight combines the flexibility of Purdue Global with the 60 years aviation heritage of Purdue University's School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Notable aviators that once called Purdue University their home include:

• Amelia Earhart
• Neil Armstrong
• Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger

Receive credit for your flight training

Students who complete Acron Aviation Academy's Professional Pilot Program may receive up to 45 transfer credits toward Purdue Global's BS in Professional Flight, helping you:

• Complete your degree faster
• Reduce overall tuition costs
• Maintain focus on building flight hours and professional experience

Exclusive tuition benefits

• 20% tuition reduction for these undergraduate programs
• Included undergraduate textbooks and course materials
• Flexible online scheduling
• Dedicated student support services

High school seniors:

Instead of spending four years earning a degree before starting your aviation career, you will:

• Start flight training immediately
• Earn FAA certifications in your first year
• Begin building flight hours sooner
• Gain paid aviation experience
• Graduate with both a bachelor's degree and industry experience

By the time many students are looking for their first job, you'll already be building the experience needed for airline opportunities.

Career changers:

It's never too late to pursue an aviation career. Whether you're coming from the military, business, education, or another industry, this pathway provides a structured route into professional aviation. You'll receive:

• Professional flight training
• A bachelor's degree from the Purdue University system
• Paid flight instructor opportunities within 12 months
• A clear pathway toward airline careers

The aviation industry continues to need qualified pilots, and employers increasingly value candidates who combine flight experience with a bachelor's degree. Graduates may pursue careers including:

• Commercial airline pilot
• Business jet pilot
• Cargo pilot
• Flight Instructor

Below is an illustration of how much the combined pilot training and degree program typically cost:

• Professional Pilot Program with Multi-Engine Add-On: $95,000
• Purdue Global Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight: $44,000*
• Total: $139,000*

For those that qualify, Title IV Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) is available towards the Purdue degree program.

*This illustration applies the 20% tuition discount and assumes all 45 transfer credits are applied to the Purdue degree program. The actual cost will vary depending on the number of credits. For the Purdue Global degree, students do not have to pay the entire amount upfront, payment is structured on a pay-as-you-go, term-by-term basis.

At Acron Aviation Academy we don’t just teach you to fly, we train you to become professional pilots from day one. Our students benefit from:

• Structured, airline-focused training
• Experienced Instructors
• Modern aircraft and training resources
• Career-focused development
• Opportunities to build hours as a CFI
• Support from enrollment through career placement
• Our commitment to helping the next generation of pilots achieve their goals

Purdue’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology at West Lafayette is Nationally Ranked and Respected: Source: Times Higher Education.

• Partner school tuition reduction: Purdue Global’s alliance with our flight school includes a variety of time and money-saving benefits. Through the partnership, all students and immediate family members receive a 20% tuition reduction on undergraduate programs and a 14% tuition reduction on graduate programs. Textbooks are included for undergraduate programs.
• Funding: Access to Title IV funding to those who qualify. School code: 004586.
• Tuition savings: After completing your professional pilot certificates and ratings, you could receive 45 transfer credits when enrolled in the professional flight degree at Purdue Global, which could save up to $28,400 in tuition.
• Created for adults: With flexible learning options, a generous transfer credit policy, and personalized support, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
• Courseware: Not all courses require textbooks; some use electronic instructional materials. Books and course materials are included in the price of tuition for all undergraduate courses.

Employment and completion time: Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. This program is relatively new and thus historical data regarding time to completion are not available. Completion time estimates based on: 3 years, 2 courses per term; 2 years, 3 courses per term.  

Tuition reduction: Must be an employee, member (if an association), flight student (if a flight school), or family member of an employee, member, or flight student of an organization with which Purdue Global has an educational relationship; family members include spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, and children. Tuition reduction cannot be applied in conjunction with any other Purdue Global reduction, voucher, scholarship, military tuition reductions, or ExcelTrack® pricing.