Aviation Science Scholarships
Become a Well-Paid Fly-Boy or Fly-Girl
Have an interest in flying for a commercial airline? Degree programs in Aviation Science often begin here with the basics in flight science. However, students pursuing degrees in aviation may choose to concentrate in areas related to commercial flight, including training for a pilot license; aviation maintenance and aviation administration. Professionals in the broad field of aviation may be engaged at a variety of levels from technical to high-level management.
Students often earn anything from an Associates degree to a Masters degree depending upon field of interest. Large aerospace or aviation corporations and professional organizations fund a lot of the scholarships. Women and minorities will find a wealth of scholarship money that helps ensure their success in programs leading to degrees in aviation.
Scholarship Programs
Amelia Earhart was one of the most renowned pilots of all time. In her honor The Ninety-Nines fund the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships designed to reward and encourage the continued interest in aviation among young women. The scholarship generously gives to women seeking technical aviation certifications such as Air Traffic Control, aviation mechanics or to those pursuing a college degree in aviation science, or an aerospace discipline. Full scholarships are awarded for technical programs leading to industry certifications and degree seekers may receive up to $5,000. Qualified applicants must demonstrate academic talent and maintain at least a 3.0 in degree courses.
Western Michigan University College of Aviation offers students a number of scholarships. The program provides Bachelors degrees in Aviation Science, Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Administration:
- Flight Science Scholarships are awarded to students seeking degrees in Aviation Science or Maintenance programs. Military-bound students are preferred. Awards are up to $500 and require at least a 3.0 GPA.
- Raytheon BE90 Initial Training Scholarships are given to students to offset the cost for initial flight training, part of many aviation or flight science programs. Applicants must be in good academic standing.
The Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ADMA) funds an annual scholarship for students pursuing a degree in aviation. Qualified applicants must be currently enrolled and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship awards are $1,000.
The Air Traffic Control Association funds scholarships for students specializing in an aviation science program. Eligible applicants may be pursuing a program in air traffic control, aviation administration or flight science. Students must be enrolled in a Bachelors degree program to be considered. The program also considers applicants who are dependents of current air traffic controllers.
Scholarships funded by the American Association of Airport Executives support the tuitions of students enrolled in an aviation discipline at a college or university in the U.S. Students are not required to be members to qualify. Applicants must apply for these programs directly through their college:
- AAAE Foundation Scholarship awards $1,000 to upper level students in an aviation program who demonstrate academic fortitude and financial need. Eligible applicants must be able to provide a faculty recommendation as well as a short essay.
- AAAE Foundation Scholarships for Native Americans is designed to encourage Native American students to pursue an aviation field. The program also provides funding in situations where money may be a major factor in a student's ability to earn a college degree. Same criteria apply and awards are $1,000.
Women in Aviation, International is devoted to encouraging and supporting the professional presence of women in all areas of aviation from pilot through administration and in the behind-the-scenes technical realm. Students are an integral piece of their mission. WAI gives away millions of dollars each year to female students pursuing aviation degrees. Eligible applicants must be student members of WAI to be considered. Students around the world are considered and the awards are very competitive. Applicants must be able to write an excellent essay, provide a professional resume, college transcript and faculty recommendations. Also she must attach any related licenses or certifications. Recipients are chosen on the basis of academic merit, personal accomplishment, leadership and financial need.