Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Pilot?

Quick answer: no degree required for a pilot certificate in the U.S.

You do not need a college degree to become a pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require one for any level of certification — including the Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP).

Most aviation schools and flight academies in the U.S. accept students with only a high school diploma or GED. Major and regional airlines hire based on flight experience, certifications, and safety records — not academic titles.

Becoming a professional pilot is about earning your licenses, building hours, and demonstrating skill. A college degree is optional, not essential.

What are the requirements to become a pilot?

To start your journey toward a pilot certificate, you must meet several basic FAA requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old for a Private Pilot License (PPL)
  
  
• Be 18 for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
  
  
• Speak, read, and understand English
  
  
• Hold a valid FAA medical certificate
  
  
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED accepted)
  
  

These rules apply to all future airline pilots, regardless of education level. What matters is your performance in training, flight time, and successful certification — not whether you attended college.

Pilot Training Requirements →

Flight school vs. aviation college — Which path to choose?

There are two main routes to becoming a commercial pilot: enrolling in an aviation college or training at a dedicated flight school.

Aviation colleges offer four-year degree programs that combine academic coursework with flight training. While you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree, these programs are costly (often over $200,000) and slower to complete. You’ll still need to log hours and obtain the same FAA certifications after graduation.

Flight schools, by contrast, are designed specifically for those who want to earn their licenses quickly and begin flying professionally. These programs typically last 15 to 18 months, cost significantly less, and focus entirely on building the skills required to pass checkrides and enter the job market.

Flight Training Program →

How to become an airline pilot: step-by-step career path

If you're wondering how to become an airline pilot, the path is clear and structured — and it doesn’t require a college degree. Instead, it depends on earning FAA-approved licenses, completing flight training, and building flight time through real-world flying or instructing.

Here’s the standard progression for a pilot career in the U.S.:

• Private Pilot License (PPL) — your first certification, focused on aircraft control, navigation, and solo flight
  
  
• Instrument Rating (IR) — adds the ability to fly in clouds and poor weather using only instruments
  
  
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) — required for paid flying jobs and charter operations
  
  
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) — a common route to build hours while teaching others
  
  
• Multi-Engine Rating (MEI) — prepares you to fly more advanced aircraft with multiple engines
  
  

Most students complete this path in 15 to 18 months through a professional flight school or aviation academy.

For a deeper breakdown of each phase, visit our guide on How to Become a Commercial Pilot.

Aviation career outlook: pilot Jobs, Salary & ROI

The demand for qualified commercial pilots is growing, and the aviation field offers multiple paths to success — whether you choose a college or university or go straight into a structured training program.

While some students opt to study through aviation degree programs, many others find that direct entry through a flight school provides a faster, more cost-effective route to professional flying.

A degree may be required by some major airlines, but it's not the standard across the industry. What truly matters is meeting every requirement to become a certified pilot — including flight hours, licenses, and evaluations.

Career Types and Salaries

A career as a pilot can lead to various outcomes. Each different pilot role — from regional to corporate to international airline — offers a unique blend of compensation, flexibility, and flight time.

Average entry-level salaries for regional pilots start around $90,000, rising significantly with experience. The type of flying, employer, and aircraft model all influence how much you can earn.

ROI compared to education costs

Pursuing a college education in aviation can be expensive and may take four or more years. In contrast, most pilot jobs are accessible through focused training programs that save both time and money.

Pilot training cost vs. return on investment

Studying aviation through traditional aviation degree programs can take 4+ years and cost over $200,000 — with no guarantee of faster airline placement. A degree may help for some positions, but it does not reduce the actual requirements to become a pilot.

By contrast, flight school programs focus solely on licensing. They are shorter, more targeted, and accessible regardless of academic grade, college education, or kind of previous background.

The overall cost depends on the type of training you choose, how long it takes, and how much flight time you accumulate.

Each different pilot career — whether regional, cargo, charter, or airline — has a different return, but all depend on your certifications and hours, not a diploma.

What do airline pilots earn?

• Entry-level regional airline pilots: $90,000–$120,000 annually
• Experienced major airline pilots: $200,000+

• Pilot salary increases with flight hours, aircraft type, and seniority

• Many pilot jobs include signing bonuses, per diem, and travel benefits

For a full breakdown of pay across ranks and airlines, visit ourAirline Pilot Salary and Career Path article.

Final verdict: can you become a professional pilot without a degree?

Yes — you absolutely can. A college degree is not required to build a successful aviation career. What truly matters is earning your pilot certificate, completing high-quality flight training, and gaining real experience through consistent flying.

Many aviation schools in Florida and across the U.S. offer accelerated training programs that prepare you for the airlines in as little as 15 months — without spending time or money on general education courses.

If your goal is to become a professional pilot, now is the time to act. Whether you're starting fresh after high school or changing careers, your path is clear — and the sky is hiring.

Ready to train with a trusted U.S. flight academy? Contact Pelican Flight School today and take the first step toward your future in aviation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS