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Top 89 Aviation Scholarships in September 2023

Written by Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Full Bio

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Updated: September 19th, 2023

In addition to providing an exciting career path, pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are also highly compensated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for airline pilots was $134,630 in 2022! This makes aviation a very lucrative career pathway for students. The good news is that there are aviation scholarships and flight training scholarships to help support your education.

Keep on reading to learn more about specific aviation scholarships that students can apply for, whether you are hoping to be a pilot, technician, or a crew member! We also include some great college-specific scholarships and organizations that future aviation professionals should consider joining.

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89 Scholarships
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Exclusive
“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students
“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500…

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500…

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is meant for high school seniors (graduating class of 2024), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year who are looking for ways to fund their postsecondary education in STEM. This scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. In order to apply, you must write an essay about how your passion for STEM started and how the scholarship will help you fulfill your dreams. No matter which STEM field ignites your interest, we look forward to reading your essays. Apply today - it’s time to cell-e-brate you!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Food Science/Nutrition, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Paper and Pulp Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science/Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Biology, Math, Statistics, Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Meteorology/Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Hydrology, Oceanography, Materials Science, Aviation/Aerospace, Industrial Design

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Regeneron Science Talent Search
Regeneron Science Talent Search

Offered by Society for Science and the Public

300 awards worth $2,000 - $250,000
Deadline Nov 8, 2023

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is a prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors, providing an important forum for original research…

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is a prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors, providing an important forum for original research…

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is a prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors, providing an important forum for original research that is recognized and reviewed by a national jury of professional scientists.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Other

Academic Interest: Food Science/Nutrition, Horticulture/Floriculture, Environmental Science, Paper and Pulp Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science/Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Biology, Entomology, Oncology, Marine Biology, Neurobiology, Math, Science, Technology, and Society, Behavioral Science, Natural Sciences, Sports/Exercise Science, Physical Sciences, Meteorology/Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Hydrology, Oceanography, Materials Science, Aviation/Aerospace, Healthcare, Audiology, Dental Health/Services, Radiology, Optometry, Osteopathy, Environmental Health, Animal/Veterinary Sciences, Insurance/Actuarial Science

Next steps

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Exclusive
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Niche

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Sep 27, 2023

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

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$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

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Epic Flight Academy Aviation/Pilot Scholarship
Epic Flight Academy Aviation/Pilot Scholarship

Offered by Epic Flight Academy

Multiple awards worth $5,000 - $20,000
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

The Epic Flight Academy Aviation/Pilot Scholarship is open to currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors in the U.S. who want to pursue a career…

The Epic Flight Academy Aviation/Pilot Scholarship is open to currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors in the U.S. who want to pursue a career…

The Epic Flight Academy Aviation/Pilot Scholarship is open to currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors in the U.S. who want to pursue a career in piloting. To apply, students must submit their answers to several short essay questions, a Youtube video, and letters of recommendation. Each year, the top applicant will be selected to win a $20,000 scholarship to fully fund their Private Pilot's License, while the runner-up will receive a $5,000 scholarship toward flight training. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by December 31st of their application year, and must be able to start training within 12 months of being awarded the scholarship. In addition, applicants must have consistent, reliable transportation to attend Epic Flight Academy or be willing to relocate there during training. If you're a high school upperclassman looking for an opportunity to pursue your piloting dreams, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more, and fly high!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Juniors & Seniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Next steps

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Bonita Jean Olson Memorial Scholarship
Bonita Jean Olson Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Women in Aviation International

1 award worth $3,000
Deadline Oct 12, 2023

The Bonita Jean Olson Memorial Scholarship is open to post-secondary STEM students pursuing a career in aviation or aerospace. Applicants must be enrolled (or committed…

The Bonita Jean Olson Memorial Scholarship is open to post-secondary STEM students pursuing a career in aviation or aerospace. Applicants must be enrolled (or committed…

The Bonita Jean Olson Memorial Scholarship is open to post-secondary STEM students pursuing a career in aviation or aerospace. Applicants must be enrolled (or committed to attending) an accredited institution and have experience volunteering in STEM or aviation-related events and/or WAI activities within the past year. In their essays, applicants should include detailed explanations of their career plans, goals, and volunteer experiences. While preference will be given to local candidates within the Seattle/Washington state area, all applicants will be considered based on their character, need, community involvement, and accomplishments. Each year, one current WAI member pursuing a STEM major with plans to enter a career in aviation or aerospace will be chosen to receive the $3,000 scholarship. If this sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Academic Interest: Engineering, Math, Science, Technology, and Society, Aviation/Aerospace

Other Category: Women

Next steps

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NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship
NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship

Offered by National Society of High School Scholars

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Oct 13, 2023

The NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship is for recently graduated (in the most recent, completed academic year) high school seniors who belong to an underrepresented group…

The NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship is for recently graduated (in the most recent, completed academic year) high school seniors who belong to an underrepresented group…

The NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship is for recently graduated (in the most recent, completed academic year) high school seniors who belong to an underrepresented group and have a demonstrated desire to major in or pursue a degree in STEM or a related field. To find out if your major is eligible, please visit the NSHSS website for the list of eligible STEM disciplines. To apply, students must submit one to two educator recommendations, as well as a personal statement, transcript, and headshot. If you're an underrepresented student passionate about STEM or a related field, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Freshman

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Race/Ethnicity: Black/African, Hispanic/Latino, Native American

Academic Interest: Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science/Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering, Library and Information Sciences, Biology, Neurobiology, Math, Statistics, Behavioral Science, Physical Sciences, Earth Science, Oceanography, Materials Science, Aviation/Aerospace, Healthcare, Accounting, Medicine, Chemistry

Next steps

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Women in Aviation Scholarship
Women in Aviation Scholarship

Offered by NASA Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium

3 awards worth $2,000
Deadline Oct 24, 2023

This Women in Aviation Scholarship funds support transportation, lodging, meals, and registration for attendance at the annual Women in Aviation International Conference. Applicants must be…

This Women in Aviation Scholarship funds support transportation, lodging, meals, and registration for attendance at the annual Women in Aviation International Conference. Applicants must be…

This Women in Aviation Scholarship funds support transportation, lodging, meals, and registration for attendance at the annual Women in Aviation International Conference. Applicants must be enrolled in, admitted to, or applied to any undergraduate program at a WSGC (Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium) college or university. Award winners will be chosen based on academic performance, aerospace-related promise, and the demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in STEM/aerospace/aviation. Two letters of recommendation are required. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Other Category: Merit Based, Women

State: Wisconsin

Next steps

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International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships
International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships

Offered by International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)

2 awards worth $10,000
Deadline Nov 1, 2023

The International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships are valued each at $10,000 each year. Type Rating Scholarship winners will complete their training with Flight…

The International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships are valued each at $10,000 each year. Type Rating Scholarship winners will complete their training with Flight…

The International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships are valued each at $10,000 each year. Type Rating Scholarship winners will complete their training with Flight Training International in Miami, Dallas, or Denver USA. Applicants must have an ATP (or ICAO equivalent) license, a minimum of 3000 hours total flight time, a minimum of 500 multi-engine turbine flight time included in the total time, and a current first class medical certificate.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Other Category: Women

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International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship
International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship

Offered by International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)

2 awards worth $5,000
Deadline Nov 1, 2023

The International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship is awarded to a minimum of two applicants each year to be used towards an advanced…

The International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship is awarded to a minimum of two applicants each year to be used towards an advanced…

The International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship is awarded to a minimum of two applicants each year to be used towards an advanced flight training program. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an advanced flight training program; or have completed ab-initio flight training, hold a current first class medical certificate. Additional requirements include last 3 pages of your log book, 2 letters of recommendation, and a list of FAA.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Other Category: Low Income, Women

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Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship
Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Nov 1, 2023

Introducing the Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to the remarkable life and career of Bob Gana, an accomplished welder and machinist. Bob's unwavering commitment…

Introducing the Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to the remarkable life and career of Bob Gana, an accomplished welder and machinist. Bob's unwavering commitment…

Introducing the Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to the remarkable life and career of Bob Gana, an accomplished welder and machinist. Bob's unwavering commitment to continuous learning propelled him to great heights in his profession, allowing him to embark on thrilling journeys across the globe while working at General Electric. Sadly, Bob unexpectedly passed away in December 2022, leading the Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship to be established in his honor. It aims to inspire and support individuals with a passion for welding, machining, or similar trades to further develop their talents. While it is open to anyone pursuing a post-high school education at a trade school, preference will be given to the children of current or retired union members. To apply for this prestigious scholarship, you have two options: craft a compelling 400-600 word essay or create a captivating short video explaining why attending a trade school is your aspiration.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Academic Interest: Cosmetology, HVAC Mechanics, Aviation/Aerospace

Next steps

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Women In STEM Excel Scholarship
Women In STEM Excel Scholarship

Offered by Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery

1 award worth $3,500
Deadline Nov 17, 2023

The WISE (Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship was created by Dr. Alexander Sobel to support, empower, and encourage women in Washington to pursue an education…

The WISE (Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship was created by Dr. Alexander Sobel to support, empower, and encourage women in Washington to pursue an education…

The WISE (Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship was created by Dr. Alexander Sobel to support, empower, and encourage women in Washington to pursue an education in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. To apply, students must submit a completed application form, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. The selected student will be required to furnish information necessary to issue a 1099 tax form, including social security number, as part of the process for dispersing scholarship monies. To determine if you're eligible, check out WISE's list of eligible majors.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: Agriculture, Food Science/Nutrition, Horticulture/Floriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Paper and Pulp Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science/Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Math, Science, Technology, and Society, Behavioral Science, Natural Sciences, Sports/Exercise Science, Physical Sciences, Meteorology/Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Hydrology, Oceanography, Materials Science, Aviation/Aerospace, Radiology, Pharmacy, Environmental Health, Animal/Veterinary Sciences

Other Category: Women

State: Washington

Next steps

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Pioneers of Flight Scholarship
Pioneers of Flight Scholarship

Offered by National Air Transportation Foundation

2 awards worth $1,000
Deadline Dec 29, 2023

The Pioneers of Flight Scholarship was established by the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) in 1989 to offer financial assistance and encouragement to young people…

The Pioneers of Flight Scholarship was established by the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) in 1989 to offer financial assistance and encouragement to young people…

The Pioneers of Flight Scholarship was established by the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) in 1989 to offer financial assistance and encouragement to young people in the pursuit of academic excellence. Applicants to the Pioneers of Flight Scholarship must be high academic achievers who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in general aviation. Please complete and submit the scholarship application before the last Friday in December.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Sophomores & Juniors

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Other Category: Merit Based

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David Hinsdale Memorial Scholarship
David Hinsdale Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

2 awards worth $500
Deadline Dec 31, 2023

Introducing the David Hinsdale Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a remarkable individual and devoted husband for 47 years who embodied the values of hard work,…

Introducing the David Hinsdale Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a remarkable individual and devoted husband for 47 years who embodied the values of hard work,…

Introducing the David Hinsdale Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a remarkable individual and devoted husband for 47 years who embodied the values of hard work, generosity, and selflessness. Renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship as a pool plasterer, David's dedication knew no bounds, even under the scorching sun. Moreover, he selflessly assisted his children with their home projects, showcasing his unwavering commitment to family. David's work ethic was inseparable from his compassion, as he readily employed those eager to learn his trade when he ran his own business. This scholarship aims to honor David Hinsdale's memory by empowering students who share his fervor for craftsmanship. Whether you are currently enrolled in a trade school or a high school student with plans to pursue a trade school education, this scholarship is open to you. To apply, share your unique story and illuminate how you aspire to make a positive impact in your community.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School & College Students

Academic Interest: Cosmetology, HVAC Mechanics, Aviation/Aerospace

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Amelia Earhart Academic Scholarship
Amelia Earhart Academic Scholarship

Offered by The Ninety-Nines, Inc.

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Jan 1, 2024

Are you a college student pursuing a degree in aviation or aerospace? If so, consider applying for the Amelia Earhart Academic Scholarship! The scholarship is…

Are you a college student pursuing a degree in aviation or aerospace? If so, consider applying for the Amelia Earhart Academic Scholarship! The scholarship is…

Are you a college student pursuing a degree in aviation or aerospace? If so, consider applying for the Amelia Earhart Academic Scholarship! The scholarship is open to members of The Ninety-Nines pursuing a college degree in aviation or aerospace. The Ninety-Nines, Inc., an international organization of licensed international women pilots, is proud to offer this and other scholarships for future pilots. They look to promote aviation education and scholarships to honor their history and share their passion for flight. In 1940, The Ninety-Nines established the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor her memory and continue her legacy of love for flying. Thus, their Academic Scholarship awards up to $10,000 to multiple recipients to help fund their flight training, every year. If you are a college student looking for some help paying for your aviation program, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Next steps

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Lyons Aviation Scholarship
Lyons Aviation Scholarship

Offered by The Lyons Aviation Foundation

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Deadline Jan 15, 2024

Are you an aspiring pilot between the ages of 16 and 24? If so, consider applying for the Lyons Aviation Scholarship! The scholarship is open…

Are you an aspiring pilot between the ages of 16 and 24? If so, consider applying for the Lyons Aviation Scholarship! The scholarship is open…

Are you an aspiring pilot between the ages of 16 and 24? If so, consider applying for the Lyons Aviation Scholarship! The scholarship is open to individuals who will be available to complete pilot training to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate within the next six months. The scholarship is offered by the Lyons Aviation Foundation, a private foundation looking to provide financial support and encouragement to future pilots. For over 66 years, the Lyons family has given deserving individuals the opportunity to pursue a career in aviation as professional pilots by providing financial support. Every year, they award between $1,500 and the entire cost of obtaining a private pilot certificate to winning recipients of their Lyons Aviation Scholarship. If you are passionate about becoming a pilot and are looking for some help paying for your certification, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

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FMA Solo Program
FMA Solo Program

Offered by Flying Musicians Association, Inc.

Multiple awards worth Flight Training & Resources
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

Are you a high school music student interested in learning how to fly? If so, consider applying for the FMA Solo Program! The program is…

Are you a high school music student interested in learning how to fly? If so, consider applying for the FMA Solo Program! The program is…

Are you a high school music student interested in learning how to fly? If so, consider applying for the FMA Solo Program! The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who have a passion for music, and aviation, and are interested in participating in a Flight Training program. The program is offered by the Flying Musicians Association (FMA), a nonprofit organization for pilots who are also musicians of any sort. FMA believes that musicians and pilots share a similar skill set and thus intends to further interest in both through the program. Thus, since 2014, the program has offered flight training, training materials, a sponsored student membership in FMA, and other benefits to winning applicants. If you are passionate about both music and aviation, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Juniors & Seniors

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace, Music

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The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Flight Training Scholarship
The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Flight Training Scholarship

Offered by The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation

Multiple awards worth Full Ride
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Flight Training Scholarship is open to young adults between the ages of 16 and 23 who wish to pursue…

The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Flight Training Scholarship is open to young adults between the ages of 16 and 23 who wish to pursue…

The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Flight Training Scholarship is open to young adults between the ages of 16 and 23 who wish to pursue aviation as a professional career. The scholarship was established to assist young people with the obtaining of a private pilot’s license. Applicants may apply between October and January 31st of each year. If you're a young adult passionate about becoming a pilot, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more, and fly high.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Next steps

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Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarship
Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarship

Offered by The Vertical Flight Society

Multiple awards worth $5,000 - $6,000
Deadline Feb 1, 2024

The Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarship recognizes students pursuing technical disciplines related to complex aeronautics engineering or aviation systems, even if not considered vertical lift engineering.…

The Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarship recognizes students pursuing technical disciplines related to complex aeronautics engineering or aviation systems, even if not considered vertical lift engineering.…

The Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarship recognizes students pursuing technical disciplines related to complex aeronautics engineering or aviation systems, even if not considered vertical lift engineering. A student does not need to be a member of the Vertical Flight Society to apply.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Engineering, Aviation/Aerospace

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In addition to providing an exciting career path, pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are also highly compensated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for airline pilots was $134,630 in 2022! This makes aviation a very lucrative career pathway for students. The good news is that there are aviation scholarships and flight training scholarships to help support your education.

Keep on reading to learn more about specific aviation scholarships that students can apply for, whether you are hoping to be a pilot, technician, or a crew member! We also include some great college-specific scholarships and organizations that future aviation professionals should consider joining.

How to win aviation scholarships

Like any type of scholarship, aviation scholarships receive a lot of applications, and so it’s important to make yours stand out in order to win one. Two of the best ways to put together a compelling application are to do some research into the organization offering the opportunity, and to read the application materials thoroughly. Try to find the values and principles they are looking for in a candidate, and then emphasize these throughout your application.

Once you have an idea of what to write about, it’s time to focus on fine-tuning your writing. We’ve got guides to help, including how to write a winning scholarship essay, how to write about yourself, and how to tailor your writing to 250 or 500 word limits. We can also walk you through the steps of making a scholarship resume, and give you tutorials on answering some of the most common scholarship prompts.

Finally, don’t forget about local scholarships! Local scholarships have a much lower number of applicants, so you have a higher chance of winning. Try looking at some local community organizations to see if they offer any opportunities.

Top colleges for aviation scholarships

The above private aviation scholarships are an important part of paying for your education. However, savvy students will also identify specific colleges and universities where they can qualify for need-based and merit-based financial aid. We recommend that students use the Net Price Calculator to estimate need-based financial aid.

If you are interested in aviation and aerospace, here are some of the top colleges and universities that you should be considering:

Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)

  • Purdue offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in their School of Aviation and Transportation.

Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (Arizona & Florida)

  • Do you want to attend a college that is completely focused on aviation and aerospace? Embry-Riddle offers just that and is the largest such institution in the world.

Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)

  • Ohio State is home to the Center for Aviation Studies which includes the Ohio State University Airport (which is the third busiest airport in the entire state!)

University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, North Dakota)

  • The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at UND provides students with a blend of liberal arts courses and professional aviation education.

Resources for aviation students

Like many fields of study, aviation students can gain a lot from joining student and professional organizations. These organizations can connect them to others in their field, giving them great career advice, networking opportunities, and could even lead to a job or internship. Here are some aviation organizations you may consider joining, and remember to look for more local and regional ones as well:

National Intercollegiate Flying Association

Whether you are looking for a career in aviation or enjoy it as a hobby, this organization will connect you to pilots and aviation enthusiasts all around the country! They offer multiple tiers of memberships, so you can find one that works as a good price point for you.

Alpha Eta Rho

Alpha Eta Rho is an aviation fraternity that connects aviation students across the country. They also offer scholarships, networking opportunities, connections to mentors, and even act as a middleman between colleges and airlines! Don’t miss out on this organization.

National Gay Pilot’s Association

Members of the LGBTQ+ community may find a great network and community in this organization, which unites LGBTQ+ pilots across the country. If you are wondering what it is like to be LGBTQ+ in the aviation field, this is a great place for firsthand information! They also offer a considerable number of scholarships.

Frequently asked questions about aviation scholarships

Do airlines give aviation scholarships?

Many airlines offer scholarships to help future pilots through flight school. One example is Envoy Air’s Future Airline Pilot scholarship. Envoy Air is the company that runs pilot hiring for American Airlines. So, not only will this scholarship help you pay for flight school, but it may help you secure a job with American Airlines after graduation.

Some airlines have been taking steps to become more involved in the training and recruitment process. For example, United Airlines founded the United Aviate Academy in 2020. They have a wide selection of scholarships available, and they automatically strike certain costs for students who go on to fly with them.

Do I need a bachelor’s to get an aviation degree?

In general, airline pilots do not need a college degree. There is no law mandating a pilot’s degree for pilots. However, some airlines may require their pilots to hold a degree, so you’ll have to do research specific to the airlines you are considering. 

Becoming a pilot can be a great way to find a well-paying job without putting up the huge sum required to go to college. But it is also true that a lack of a college degree may limit your options for advancement and earning higher pay.

How many hours do I need for a pilot’s license?

The FAA requires that all students earn 1,500 hours to become a pilot. However, you should note that this requirement may vary by airline. While 1,500 hours is the minimum, some airlines may require that you earn more in order to land a job as a pilot.

Is becoming a pilot worth the cost of a degree?

For the most part, being a pilot is well-worth the cost of a degree. If you know that piloting is the career you want, it is a great option, with a 2020 median salary of $130,440 and a lower education cost than most bachelor’s degrees. For example, the 2022 cost for a full education at United Aviate Academy is $71,250, which is a small fraction of full tuition at any four-year institution. 

Especially if you supplement that tuition with scholarships, this is extremely affordable considering the high pay of the profession. Just remember – it is an intensive profession that is not for everyone. Before paying the money for a degree, make sure to talk to pilots and get an idea of the lifestyle they live to see if it’s a good fit for you.

Also see: How much student loan debt is too much?

Can I use FAFSA for aviation school?

Some flight schools may use the FAFSA to assess a student’s financial need, but this can vary school-by-school. You might also be able to qualify for the Pell Grant and Stafford loans through the FAFSA. However, this can vary based on the accreditation status of your flight school. Make sure to check with your prospective schools to see whether their students can receive Pell Grant money and federal loans. This could have a substantial effect on the school’s affordability.

Can crew members and technicians apply for aviation scholarships?

Yes! Many of the scholarships on this list accept applicants who are in any field of aviation. That includes technicians who keep the planes running and crew members who perform duties other than pilot. For example, the Amelia Earhart Academic Scholarship is open to any female student pursuing a career in aviation.

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