Hi, I'm 18 years old and am going to be heading to school in seven months for what will hopefully lead to a career as an airline or corporate pilot. Right now, I am considering three different schools in Florida, all of which offer a degree and pilot training through a commercial rating. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach has the name, but also has the debt, as it will cost me about 180,000 dollars for a four year degree in Aeronautical Science as well as the flight training. The Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne offers the same program at about 20,000 dollars cheaper. I have also received a 24,000 dollar scholarship to Florida Tech. Last but not least is Jacksonville University in Jacksonville Florida. The university offers a four year degree in Aeronautical Management (at about 50,000 dollars with flight training), and also includes flight training through the commercial rating. I have also received a 28,000 dollar scholarship to Jacksonville.
Now, I have pretty much ruled out Embry Riddle for financial matters, and I have posted this because I need some information and oppinions on an Aeronautical Science degree vs Aeronautical Management. The AM degree will cost me about 40,000 dollars while the AS degree will cost about 100,000. Am I missing somthing? Why is it so much more expensive? Is it that much better? Will I get the job I want with an AM degree? Any input, oppinions and/or information would be greatly appriciated. I am really unsure about what I am going to do at this point. Thanks
Dave
P.S - here are the websites for all three schools...
Florida Tech -
http://www.fit.edu/index.html
Embry Riddle -
http://www.erau.edu/db/index.html
Jacksonville University -
http://www.ju.edu/