Expert: D. Norkus - 7/25/2008

Question
which university in the us will you recommend for an international student who waants to offer a four year bachelors degree program in aerospace/aviation.thank ypu very much

Answer
There are so many schools to pick from, there isn't just one I'd recommend. Your choice should be a very personal decision and will depend on several factors including your budget (some 4 yr degrees can cost over $100,000) and area of the country you want to be in.

Although schools like Embry-Riddle/ERAU, the U. of North Dakota, Southern Illinois Carbondale or W. Michigan U. are some big schools with aviation programs, they may not be affordable for you. If you intend to do flight training as part of your aviation education, you may want to consider the schools location and how good their flying weather is. While the U of N. Dakota is one of the best known schools, the difference between the winter weather there and the ERAU campus in Florida or Arizona is like night and day- or easily 50 degrees!

Or you may prefer a more intimate campus like Parks College of Saint Louis University, Saint Cloud U. or Daniel Webster College. Some students prefer a smaller school over the larger, big name schools as they feel they get more personal attention with smaller schools versus being one of too many at a big school like ERAU.

You should start your search for a school that meets your criteria at the University Aviation Association. Here is their list of over 100 accredited aviation colleges and universities- http://www.uaa.aero/sitefiles/uaa/resourcebin/CurrentMbrList_Inst_04-08.pdf

As an international student, you will need to contact the school of your choice directly with your questions about getting a student visa, curriculum or tuition. Since I am a pilot and not a school advisor, I cannot help with that and have no experience in that area.

Good Luck