Aviation Program Financial Considerations

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Medical and Fees

You are required to obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate* through an approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to undergo flight training. As such, certain medical conditions may be disqualify you. Class 1 exams cost anywhere from $125 to $200, depending on doctor and location.

*The Class 1 Medical Certificate remains valid for a period corresponding to holder age:

  • Under 40—12 months
  • 40+—6 months

After expiration, the certificate must be renewed to remain valid.

Tuition

Wright State's tuition is among the lowest in the state, and with our Wright Guarantee program, your tuition rate (including housing and meal plans if you live on campus) remains locked in for four years—applies to new incoming, in-state, degree-seeking undergraduate students.

Rates Ohio Resident
(Commuting)		 Ohio Resident
(Living on Campus)		 Non-Ohio Resident1
Undergraduate Tuition (11–18 hours)2 $5,908 $5,908 $11,000
Undergraduate Tuition (1–10.5 hours) $531/hour $531/hour $1,000/hour
Campus Housing (Woods Double)3 N/A $2,789 $2,789
Meals (Gold Campus Dining)4 N/A $2,000 $2,000
Activity/Communications/Hospitality Fees N/A $463 $463
Books and supplies5 $700 $700 $700
Total for one semester $6,608 $11,860 $16,952
Total for two semesters (fall and spring) $13,216 $23,720 $33,904

1Non-Ohio resident portion of tuition ($5,092 or $469/hour) is not guaranteed.
2Per hour rates will be applied to each billable credit hour in excess of 18. Courses dropped after the 100% refund period are not deducted from the billable hours.
3Cost reflects double occupancy for a Woods room. Learn more about the cost of Dayton Campus housing.
4Default meal plan for residential dormitory students. Learn more about the cost of meal plans.
5Estimate only—not guaranteed
Costs do not include course or program fees

Visit our tuition, housing, and meal plan costs page to learn more about living fees at Wright State.

Flight Fees

Course Number

Course Title

 Fee

AVI 2002

Private Pilot Flight Lab

$15,930.00 (DTL CD: 2153 – Flight Time Nonrefundable)

AVI 20031

 Flight Proficiency Lab

$3,120.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 2102

Instrument Rating Flight Lab

$12,330.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 2202

Commercial Pilot Flight Lab 1

$12,748.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 2302

Commercial Pilot Flight Lab 2

$18,694.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 3002

Certified Flight Instructor Flight Lab

$10,881.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 3502

Instrument Instructor Flight Lab

$6,476.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 3702

Multi-Engine Commercial Flight Lab

$9,911.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 4002

Multi-Engine Instructor Flight Lab

$15,371.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

AVI 4502

Professional Airline Pilot Flight Lab

$8,790.00 (DTL CD: 2163 – Flight Lab Fees)

TOTAL

$111,131.002

1AVI 2003 is only required if extra hours are necessary to complete the Private Pilot Certification

2Adjusted for optional lab cost.

Written Exams

photo of students in a classroom

In most cases, you are required to pass a knowledge exam to earn your pilot licenses and/or ratings. The tests must be scheduled by appointment and are administered at FAA testing centers. Test fees range from $125 to $175 depending on test type and location.

Practical Exams

The final step toward getting each of your licenses is to pass a practical test administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). These individuals are independent and set their own rates, with most practical tests costing between $650 and $950. However, flight instructors pay a higher price that goes from $800 to more than a thousand dollars. 

WARNING: if you do not pass the practical test, you will be charged a retesting fee by the DPE. This fee is usually 50% of the original costs.

NOTE: Aircraft rental during the exam is also at the student’s expense. The check-ride usually takes between 1½–2 hours. Make sure to include this additional expense in your budget.

Special Equipment Costs

  • Personal Headset: $300 to $1,600, depending on brand and features
  • Books and Reference Materials: Most FAA publications can be downloaded for free. Alternatively, FAA books and other paper materials can be purchased for around $200 per semester.
  • iPad mini 5 with Foreflight Subscription: Can be $1,000+; Foreflight subscription can be purchased through First Flight for a reduced $200.
  • Extras: Apparel, gear, accessories

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pursuing an aviation career offers many exciting opportunities, but it’s essential to understand the additional costs associated with the program and develop a plan to finance your education.

Tip: Get your financing in place before bills are posted to avoid last-minute stress.

Aviation Scholarships

Explore aviation-specific scholarship opportunities offered by a variety of organizations to help offset flight expenses.

Be sure to review eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully.

Scholarship Tips
Aviation Scholarship Opportunities

  1. File your FAFSA

    Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov to be considered for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid.

  2. Complete Financial Aid Requirements

    Complete any outstanding financial aid requirements and review and accept your financial aid offer in WINGS.

    For more information, visit the What You Need To Know page.

  3. Do the Math: Determine your Estimated Cost

    The cost of an aviation degree is higher due to flight training fees.

    Estimate your expenses and subtract your offered financial aid to determine whether the aviation program is a good financial fit.

    Need help estimating costs? Let us help! Call Enrollment Services at 937-775-4000 or email enrollmentservices@wright.edu.

    Enrollment Services is your one-stop location for financial aid, registration, and billing support.

  4. Apply for Additional Financing (Loan Assistance)

    Apply for additional financing as early as possible to cover your remaining costs after financial aid is applied.

    For example, students starting in the fall semester can begin applying for funding as early as March.

    Tip: If you apply for a loan for the entire year, funds are divided evenly across semesters. Since flight lab fees vary by term, consider applying term-by-term if your costs differ. Some private lenders will allow you to apply for one loan with uneven disbursements so that you can borrow only what you need each semester.

    Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

    The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students allows credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduates to borrow for educational expenses. This loan must be repaid by the parent borrower. For details, visit the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan page.

    Alternative (Private) Student Loan

    Private student loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and private lenders to help cover educational expenses.

    When applying, carefully compare lenders, interest rates, disbursement timelines, and repayment options. For more information, visit the Alternative (Private) Student Loan section of our website.

    To compare Federal Parent Loans and Private Loans, visit the Federal Student Aid Loan FAQ.

  5. Adjust Your Cost of Attendance (COA)

    You are offered financial aid based on a standard cost of attendance. Submit a Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment form to include flight lab fees. While this will not increase the grants or scholarships, it will raise your COA, allowing you (or your parent) to borrow additional loan funds to cover flight-related expenses. Please refer to step 4 on applying for additional financing.

  6. Other Financial Aid

    Grants and Institutional Scholarship

    Grants and institutional scholarships will not be adjusted for additional flight lab fees.

    GI Bill and VA Education Benefits

    Aviation program and courses do not qualify for GI Bill® or VA education benefits. For more information, contact the Veteran and Military Center.

  7. Before You Fly: Stay on Track with Your Bill

    • Check your student account every semester.
    • Pay your bill in full by the due date.
    • Apply early for loans or additional financing — approval and processing take time!
    • Unpaid balances may result in cancellation of aviation classes (including flight labs), the business day after the first billing due date for the semester.

    Tip: Get your financing in place before bills are posted to avoid last-minute stress.

    Aviation Scholarships

    Explore aviation-specific scholarship opportunities offered by a variety of organizations to help offset flight expenses.

    Be sure to review eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully.

    Scholarship Tips
    • Confirm eligibility before applying.
    • Double-check all forms and materials for accuracy.
    • Highlight your background, service, and achievements to stand out.
    • Request letters of recommendation early.
    • Follow deadlines carefully—Wright State must receive materials by the billing due date.
    Aviation Scholarship Opportunities