College Partnerships Program
Earn your FAA certificates and a college degree at the same time. Tradewind partners with leading universities and community colleges to give you a structured path to both credentials.
Program Overview
Flight Training That Counts Toward Your Degree
Tradewind Flight Services partners with accredited colleges and universities to offer students a streamlined path to professional aviation credentials and a recognized degree. Our partnerships are designed to eliminate redundancy — your flight training hours and FAA certificates can transfer directly into your academic program.
Whether you're a high school graduate looking to fast-track your aviation career, a veteran using GI Bill benefits, or a working adult pursuing an online degree alongside your flight training, our college partnerships give you options that fit your goals and your schedule.
Program Highlights
- FAA certificates and ratings count as transfer credits toward your degree
- VA benefits and GI Bill funding accepted at partner institutions
- Flexible online degree options available alongside in-person flight training
- Tuition reductions available through partner school alliances
- Programs open to high school graduates, veterans, and career changers
Our Partners
Partner Schools & Universities
Liberty University — School of Aeronautics
Bachelor of Science in AviationLiberty University's School of Aeronautics offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a curriculum that integrates FAA-required flight courses directly into the degree program. Courses cover Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine, CFI, and more. Liberty proudly serves military students with GI Bill and VA benefits, military scholarships, tuition assistance, and college credit for military training.
- Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, CFI all integrated into degree coursework
- GI Bill / VA benefits, military scholarships, and tuition assistance available
- College credit awarded for prior military training
Purdue University Global
BS in Professional Flight & Aviation ManagementPurdue Global — part of the prestigious Purdue University system — offers two aviation-focused online degree programs that accept transfer credits for FAA certificates and ratings. Students who complete their professional pilot credentials at Tradewind may receive up to 45 transfer credits, potentially saving years and thousands of dollars in tuition.
- Up to 45 transfer credits for completed FAA certificates and ratings
- 20% tuition reduction on undergraduate programs for Tradewind students and immediate family
- 100% online — complete your degree while flight training or working as a CFI
- Textbooks included for undergraduate programs
Craven Community College
Aviation Management & Career Pilot TechnologyTradewind partners with Craven Community College (Craven CC) on the Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology program — a two-year associate degree that combines classroom instruction, simulator training, and flight training into a single integrated curriculum. Graduates leave with 300 flight hours and all the credentials needed to pursue a career in commercial aviation, general aviation, or the aerospace industry.
- Associate degree and FAA certificates completed in two years
- Graduates earn approximately 300 flight hours upon completion
- Open to high school graduates and military veterans
- VA benefits accepted — approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans & VA Benefits
Use Your GI Bill for Flight Training
Tradewind Flight Services is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible veterans can apply Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) or Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits toward the cost of FAA-approved flight training.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover flight training costs with minimal out-of-pocket expense. To begin, you'll need an eligibility letter from the VA — Tradewind is paid directly for all approved training. Contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for additional information on your specific benefits.
Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
Covers up to 60% of approved flight training costs, paid monthly based on actual training received.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Covers flight training costs with minimal out-of-pocket expense. Tradewind is paid directly by the VA upon receipt of your eligibility letter.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for additional support through Vocational Rehabilitation programs.
Ready to Earn Your Degree and Your Wings?
Contact our team to learn which college partnership is the right fit for your goals, timeline, and benefits eligibility.