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Most students graduate from the Professional Pilot degree program with approximately 300 flight hours. By the time students earn their Commercial Certificate, they typically have around 250 flight hours. The remaining hours are gained through completing the CFI certificate, CFI-Instrument certificate, and adding a Multi-Engine rating to the Commercial Certificate. These hours may vary between students based on individual ability.

Yes, some students take more than four years to graduate. Many variables affect flight training (like weather and maintenance), but the biggest factor is a student's individual schedule. Students who are flexible during the week and weekends tend to progress more quickly. Being available over the summer is also a significant advantage for graduating on time—or even early. We offer flight training year-round, and most students stay over the summer to finish a current course or enroll in their next flight course.

KSU has strong ties to the airlines and offers our students several pathway program opportunities. These include Delta Propel, United Aviate, Southwest Airlines Destination 225°, JetBlue Gateways, Allegiant Accelerate, Republic Airways, CommuteAir, and other reciprocal agreements with regional airlines. Each program has its own application rules, but most allow students to apply as early as their second year in the program.

KSU students who complete the Professional Pilot degree program earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate, allowing them to fly single- and multi-engine land airplanes. They also earn a Certified Flight Instructor certificate with an Instrument add-on. Additionally, graduates are eligible for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate, which allows them to obtain an ATP certificate with reduced minimums. These credentials open the door to almost any pilot position in the industry. Beyond airline work, job opportunities include business aviation, corporate aviation, charter, cargo, military, flight instruction, and many other roles.

0%—but only because that's not how major airlines operate. They require airline experience before hiring. Typically, graduates work as flight instructors until they reach 1,000 flight hours, then move on to regional airlines to gain jet and industry experience, and later transition to major airlines.

Yes! These opportunities are dependent on availability from the companies, but several are offered each year. They’re not limited to airlines—many are available through businesses with flight departments as well.

This is a tough question to answer—it depends heavily on your course load and the point in the semester. Some weeks are busier than others, but earning a four-year degree is comparable to working a full-time job. On top of class and homework, flight students also need to dedicate time to cross-country flights, night flights, and check rides.

While I don’t have an exact percentage, I would estimate that most students have some form of part-time job. And yes, there are job opportunities at the airport. Students can work on the line service team, at the reception desk giving tours, or as dispatchers. Once students earn their CFI certificate, they’re also eligible to work as flight instructors.

Our insurance policy does not include a waiver of subrogation. Students may be responsible for the deductible if it’s determined that they were careless or reckless. I’ve been with KSU for nearly 20 years, and this has not been an issue. Fortunately, we rarely file insurance claims, and when we do, it’s usually a result of the learning process—not recklessness. In my experience, KSU has covered every deductible. Students also have the option to purchase additional insurance coverage if they wish. Most students rely solely on KSU’s coverage, which is a robust policy, but you do have the option if you feel additional coverage is necessary.

Yes! There are many scholarship opportunities. One of the biggest advantages of flying through a university like KSU is that all flight costs are billed through your Bursar’s bill. This means any scholarship, grant, or financial aid applied to your bill can help cover your flight training. A list of scholarships can be found on our website (linked here). Apply for as many as you can!