The Best Aviation Scholarships to Apply to in 2025

About Aviation Scholarships

The future is propelled forward by transportation, making aviation a growing industry. Improving technology has opened up more job opportunities for students pursuing aviation careers. Because of the increasing demand for airline transportation, it is important to prepare the next generation of pilots by giving financial aid through aviation scholarships.

While the aviation industry may be growing, so are the prices of going through pilot training. Depending on what you intend to do in the field of aviation, the cost differs. Flight school averages a cost of approximately $10,500 in the United States. This average encompasses a range of aviation experience and accounts for lessons, plane rentals, and other equipment. However, these costs don't take into account schooling for aviation students looking to become commercial pilots.

For aviation students looking to become commercial pilots, there is a higher cost because of the steps it takes to work for commercial airlines. Aviation students have to receive their private pilot certificate before becoming commercial pilots and must also earn their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

Aviation students who have already received their private pilot's license have costs totaling around $69,000, while students just beginning their aviation education pay nearly $88,000 to earn both the private pilot certificate and the ATP certificate. These numbers may seem daunting to students planning to begin their flight training through an aviation program, but there are specific aviation scholarships geared toward all levels of future aviators.

What Is an Aviation Scholarship?

In order to assist students through a professional pilot program, there are flight training scholarships that help give opportunities to future pilots. These options vary: because pilots are in high demand, flight training scholarship programs want to help cover the cost of flight school.

Some aviation scholarships are offered by businesses in the aviation industry that are looking to recruit new pilots. Both aviation associations and airline businesses provide scholarships. For example, the Airline Owners and Pilots Association gave over $1 million to students, teachers, and pilots-in-training in 2019. Association and industry scholarships aren't the only opportunities available for aviation students. There are national options, such as the scholarships offered by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aviation scholarships give financial assistance to future pilots engaged in aviation programs. These scholarships may be offered by different institutions, associations, or schools, but they can all help students in flight training cover the costs of pilot training.

Can You Get a Scholarship for Aviation?

Students of every background and education level can earn an aviation scholarship. High school seniors planning to join an aviation program are just as eligible as experienced pilots who have a private pilot certificate. Scholarships are usually given to students currently enrolled in their aviation education, so students actively pursuing a career in aviation are eligible to search for various scholarships.

Not every scholarship is open to all students. Some have requirements that want only specific education levels, such as high school seniors, whereas others are open to any aviation student. Other aviation scholarships are more specific to one's region, flight school, education level, demographic, or level of financial need.

How to Apply for Aviation Scholarships

Applying for scholarships on Bold.org takes only a few simple steps that start with creating your free account. Fill out your profile thoroughly and include important information about your education, background, major, interests, and other important experiences that help give an idea of who you are. This way, when you begin searching for scholarships, more will be available for you to apply for.

From there, use tools such as the scholarship search page - which has filters for category, education, etc. - and the bookmark tool, which allows you to save scholarships for you to revisit later. Once you've decided on which scholarships are best for you, begin applying. Some scholarships don't require an essay or specifically look for a visual element. However, the majority of scholarships on Bold.org are essay scholarships, meaning they require an essay element along with your application. The scholarship essay helps donors understand more about you and why you deserve their scholarship. If you are struggling with writing a strong essay, take a look at our tips for writing a great scholarship essay.

How to Get an Aviation Scholarship

In order to have the best chance at earning an aviation scholarship, there are some important steps you can take. The most important part of scholarship searching is consistency. Apply for more than one scholarship, and don't be disappointed if you don't win every scholarship you apply for. The more opportunities you put yourself in the running for, the better chance you have of being successful in your pursuit of financial aid.

At the same time, choose the scholarships you apply for with careful consideration, putting extra effort toward scholarships that have more eligibility requirements. Scholarships that have many eligibility requirements aren't open to as many students and, therefore, don't have as many applicants. This increases your chance of winning since fewer people are applying.

If you follow these steps, as well as strengthen your profile and work hard on your applications, you will have the best chance possible of securing aviation scholarships.

How to Find Aviation Scholarships

Since there are aviation scholarships offered through different platforms and programs, there are plenty of ways to begin your search for aviation scholarships. On Bold.org, you can use our scholarship search feature and use the 'Category' filter for the aviation section. This will bring up specific aviation scholarships. You can also look at STEM scholarships or scholarships specific to your background so that you can find more scholarships.

Outside of Bold.org, you can look for federal or national programs geared specifically toward aviation students. Many of these options have already been listed above, but the few included are only the beginning: check Google, talk to the financial office at your school, or talk to other students to see what options are out there for future aviators.

The search for scholarships is ultimately up to you, so take command of your future and pursue opportunities as much as you're able. The more effort you put into finding the best scholarships for you, the more you will get out of the search.

Are There Aviation Scholarships for Veterans?

Yes, there are aviation scholarships available specifically for veterans. These scholarships are designed to assist veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation, including piloting, aviation maintenance, air traffic control, and other aviation-related fields.

Are There Aviation Scholarships for Minorities?

Minorities are encouraged to pursue passions in aviation. Bold.org has opportunities for minority students, including STEM scholarships. STEM is a broad term, and since aviation fits under it, minorities are encouraged to apply for this scholarship and more to get assistance for aviation education. For more financial aid opportunities for minorities, take a look at the scholarships for minorities offered on Bold.org.

Are Scholarships Counted as Income?

In general, scholarships are not counted as income. However, there are some specific requirements that a scholarship must meet for this to be the case. Check out additional resources like the IRS page on scholarships to check on the status of your scholarship.

When Can I Start Applying?

Bold.org has opportunities year-round, so there isn't a bad time to begin applying. Consistently look for scholarships throughout the year. Students can make a free Bold.org account starting in high school or from the age of 14. Once you've created your account, utilize your opportunities throughout the year to help pay for your flight training.

The Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of recreational aviation. Founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested in building their own airplanes, the EAA has grown to encompass all aspects of general aviation. The association's mission includes supporting and encouraging the design and construction of aircraft, as well as promoting aviation safety and education.

The EAA provides a wide range of resources and services to its members, including workshops, educational programs, and advocacy efforts to protect the rights of aviators. It also publishes a variety of materials, including magazines and online content, to keep its members informed about the latest developments in aviation.

The organization's wealth of workshops, webinars, and scholarships further supports students' educational journeys and career aspirations in aviation. Being part of the EAA community also means access to mentorship from experienced aviators and industry professionals, along with exposure to innovative and experimental aircraft designs.

The Aviation International News

AIN Media Group launched its inaugural magazine during the NBAA Convention in Cincinnati in 1972. Since then, the company has not only maintained its production of NBAA Convention News but has also broadened its portfolio to include a wide array of other print and digital platforms, along with webinars and exclusive events.

Regarded as the premier independent authority on news and insights in the business and civil aviation sectors globally, AIN continues to be a trusted resource.

AIN Media Group's resources can significantly enrich an aviation student's educational experience and professional development by offering a window into the broader industry. It serves as a great educational tool, offering up-to-date industry insights, trends, and technologies that are essential for students to stay informed about the dynamic aviation sector.

Looking for more post-secondary scholarships? Create a free Bold.org profile today!