Program Overview
YSU’s Associate of Applied Science in Aviation combines academic foundations with hands-on training to develop well-rounded pilots. Students complete all coursework required for their Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating, and gain experience in aviation law, weather, safety, and operations.
• FAA-aligned Private Pilot and Instrument Flight certifications
• Real-time flight training at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport
• Flexible flight hours and one-on-one instruction
• Embedded internship in aviation operations
• Opportunities to build additional flight hours
In addition to the degree program, YSU offers two stackable 9-credit certificates that align with FAA requirements:
• AVT 1510: Private Pilot Ground
• AVT 1511: Private Pilot Flight Training I
• AVT 1512: Private Pilot Flight Training II
• AVT 2610: Instrument Ground
• AVT 2611: Instrument Flight Training I
• AVT 2612: Instrument Flight Training II
These certificates are ideal for students who want to build flight credentials individually or supplement prior aviation education.
All flight instruction is conducted at YSU’s flight operations hub located at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Students have access to:
• Airspace for real flight maneuvers and practice
• Certified flight instructors and FAA-aligned curriculum
• Airport facilities and aviation operations experience
Students graduate with:
• A Private Pilot Certificate with airplane single-engine land privileges
• An Instrument Rating to fly in low-visibility and controlled airspace
• Understanding of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and weather patterns
• Real-world operational experience through an aviation internship
• Exposure to aviation technologies including GIS and simulation tools
💡 Add-on options: Students may enroll in Flight Time Builder and Advanced Flight Time Builder courses to increase logged hours for future licensure or employment.
Flight training courses include additional lab fees to cover aircraft use, instructor time, and fuel.
Sample Course Fees:
• Private Pilot Flight I: $9,990
• Private Pilot Flight II: $7,990
• Instrument Flight I: $6,890
• Instrument Flight II: $5,490
• Flight Time Builder: $2,490 (as needed)
FAA Medical Certificate and TSA clearance are required before beginning flight instruction.
Demand for trained pilots continues to rise, especially in regional airlines, private aviation, and drone technology sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pilots exceeds $148,900, with growth projected well into the next decade.
Explore regional salary ranges in:
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia
• Train at a certified regional airport minutes from campus
• Learn from FAA-certified instructors
• Earn flight credentials while earning a college degree
• Be part of an innovative aviation program with room to grow
Nearly 11,000 students
Over $8 Million in Scholarships Given Annually
21 Average Class Size
5 University Residence Halls with plenty of nearby apartments
14:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
In-State
Out-of-State
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition and fees may vary by major, college, area of study or based on your location. The university reserves the right to assess fees for special services and programs applicable to students. First-time International undergraduate students’ tuition rate is established based on first enrollment and remains unchanged for four consecutive years. Graduate students should plan for a yearly tuition increase of approximately 5%.
For a complete list of additional fees and detailed tuition information please visit the University Bursar website here.
Cost of the most popular room and meal plan combination; Your cost will depend on the plans you select. Costs in the box cover the most popular room and meal plan combination (on-campus); If you choose to live off-campus, the estimated cost of room and meals will be around $12,000 based on 12 months.
Based on average books & supply costs
Health insurance is required for international students.
Applicants must have graduated from high school or have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) test to be considered for admission. Freshman applicants applying for admission to Youngstown State University must submit a high school transcript or GED transcript. Submission of American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores is optional. Please note: some majors require test scores to be admitted into the program.
Applicants must have a cumulative weighted high school grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher, a core unweighted grade point average* of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher and have an ACT composite score of 17 or higher or a SAT composite score of 920 or higher (evidence-based writing and reading and math) to be admitted unconditionally. (*Core gpa is calculated based on grades earned in the following courses – English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language, if applicable, from 9th through 12th grade).
Fall 2024
application deadline is
August 1, 2024
