Credible takeaways
- Flight school costs can range from less than $10,000 to more than $100,000.
- Students enrolled at ATP Flight School are not eligible for federal student aid.
- Lenders like Sallie Mae and Ascent offer private student loans for flight school.
A career as a pilot offers the opportunity to travel the world and make a good living while doing it. Airline pilots earned a median annual salary of $226,600 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while commercial pilots averaged $122,670.
But before you can get started, you'll need to get an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. If you're starting from scratch with no experience, that can cost you around $123,995, per the ATP Flight School.
A Sallie Mae flight school loan is one of the most popular options, thanks to its flexible repayment terms and career-focused loan program. While Sallie Mae is a strong contender, it's important to compare it with other private lenders to ensure the best fit for your financial situation and long-term goals.
Current private student loan rates
Can you get a loan for flight school?
You can get federal or private student loans for flight school, but the type of loan available depends on your aviation training program.
“Flight schools offer loans primarily through private lenders, credit unions, and other organizations. Some might offer federal student loans, but they are in the minority,” says Dan Bubb, a former airline pilot and aviation historian at UNLV Honors College.
Because many flight schools don't meet federal aid requirements, students often need to turn to private lenders that finance career training or certificate programs. Some schools also offer their own financing options.
Federal flight school loans
Federal student loans from the Department of Education are available to help finance flight school, but eligibility is contingent on the school being accredited, participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs, and offering qualifying degree or certificate programs.
ATP Flight School, the nation's leading flight training program, does not participate in federal student aid. However, several four-year colleges offer aviation degree programs that qualify, including:
- Polk State College
- Aviator College
- Orange Coast College
- Purdue University
- The Ohio State University
- Baylor University
- University of Oklahoma
To determine whether your school qualifies for federal financial aid, you can search the Department of Education's accreditation database. Below are the federal student loan options and their interest rates for the 2025-26 school year:
| | | | |
|---|
| | | | Up to $5,500, depending on dependency |
Direct Unsubsidized Loans | UndergraduatesGraduate students | Undergraduates: 6.39%Graduates: 7.94% | | Up to $20,500, less other financial aid received |
| Graduate studentsProfessional students | | | Up to the cost of attendance, less other financial aid received |
| | | | Up to the cost of attendance, less other financial aid received |
You must satisfy several criteria to be eligible for federal student loans. These include being a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen, having a valid Social Security number, enrolling in an accredited degree program at an approved school, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Federal student loan limits
Loan limits apply to federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. A first-year student who can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return can borrow as much as $5,500, while independent students may have a borrowing limit of $9,500. However, only $3,500 of this amount can be in Direct Subsidized Loans, which are available to undergraduates who demonstrate financial need and include an interest subsidy.
To apply for these loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Note
Many flight schools do not qualify for federal student loans as they are often classified as trade schools and lack accreditation.
Private lenders offering flight school loans
Private student loans can potentially fund your aviation training if you can't get federal student loans. These loans are typically only available to students enrolled in a four-year degree-granting program. However, some private lenders offer loans for a certificate- or career-based program, which may allow you to get a loan for flight school. Some loan options and lenders include:
- Sallie Mae Airline Career Loan
- Ascent Career Training Loan
- Abe student loans for certificate programs
- College Ave Undergraduate and Graduate Career Loans
Advertiser DisclosureThe rates that appear are from companies from which Credible receives compensation. This compensation does not impact how or where products appear within the table. The rates and information shown do not include all financial service providers or all of the displayed lenders' available services and product offerings.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
While Ascent provides traditional student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, it also stands out with some options that are uncommon among private student loan lenders. For example, its Outcomes-Based Loan, which doesn't require established credit or a cosigner, is available to juniors and seniors. When assessing your application, Ascent considers factors including your school, major, and GPA to determine if you're eligible.
Ascent also offers its Progressive Repayment plan to qualified borrowers. It allows you to begin with smaller payments at the start of the repayment term and then gradually pay more each month over time. If you borrow with a cosigner, they can be released after you make as few as 12 monthly payments. However, cosigners on loans for international students do not qualify.
pros
- Doesn’t charge application fees or origination fees
- Offers discounts of 0.50 to 1 percentage points when making automatic payments
- Can get a 1% cash-back reward after you graduate
- Grace periods from 9 to 36 months
cons
- May find lower interest rates with some competitors
- International students don’t have option to release cosigners
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$2,001 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits of $200,000 for undergrads and $400,000 for graduates
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or DACA student enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. International students with a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance (aggregate $225,000 limit)
Overview
Abe's private student loans are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and students in certificate programs. The lender is unique in allowing you to borrow even if you're enrolled less than half-time.
Abe offers rate discounts and payment relief that other lenders don't, such as a reduction in your rate with autopay and for every six months of on-time payments, up to a total of 0.50 percentage points. Borrowers can also extend their grace period up to an additional six months. Plus, you can lengthen your repayment term by five years, which can be helpful if you need to lower your monthly payments or request a hardship forbearance for 12 months.
pros
- Offers 2% loan reduction after graduation
- Doesn’t charge late fees
- Can reduce interest rate by making on-time payments
- Possible repayment term and grace period extension
cons
- Doesn’t offer parent loans
- Not available in all states
Minimum income
$1 (must have positive income)
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance (for undergrad loans; $350,000 for graduate loans)
Cosigner release
Available after 12 monthly principal and interest payment
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school in the U.S. who apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. Loans not available to permanent residents of West Virginia.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
College Ave offers student loans for almost every type of degree program, with a range of repayment options, including a unique 8-year repayment term. Additionally, you can get extended grace periods of as long as 36 months on graduate, dental, and medical student loans.
About 90% of undergraduates applying with a cosigner are approved for additional student loans. However, you must complete at least half of your repayment term before you can remove a cosigner for your loan. Some lenders allow cosigners to be released much sooner, after as few as 1 to 2 years of payments.
pros
- Rate discount of one-quarter of a percentage point for using autopay
- Does not charge origination or application fees
- Grace periods between 9 and 36 months for graduate, MBA, law, dental, and medical school loans
cons
- Parent borrowers are required to pay at least the interest while the student is in school
- Cosigners not eligible for release until at least half the repayment term of the loan is completed
Loan terms
5, 8, 10, or 15 years for most borrowers (law, dental, medical, and other health profession students have up to 20 years)
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits depend on your degree and credit profile
Cosigner release
Available after more than half of the scheduled repayment period has elapsed and other requirements are met
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. International students with a Social Security number and a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
$1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
Sallie Mae offers the Smart Option Student Loan for undergraduate students and a suite of loans for graduate students. You can borrow up to your school-certified cost of attendance and apply just once annually to get the funds you need for the entire academic year. Plus, applying for a Smart Option Student Loan with a cosigner may help you get a better rate.
Through Sallie Mae, you can find a variety of loans designed for specific needs, including loans for MBA programs, law school, medical school, and health profession programs.
pros
- Can borrow up to school-certified cost of attendance
- No prepayment or origination fees
- Loans available to noncitizens with an eligible cosigner
- Cosigner release after 12 on-time payments
cons
- No parent loan options
- Does not offer student loan refinancing
- Loan terms not disclosed until after you apply
Loan terms
10 to 15 years for the Smart Option Student Loan; 15 years for law school, MBA, and graduate school loans; 20 years for medical school loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance. Student must be listed as the borrower, and a parent may cosign.
Cosigner release
After you graduate, make 12 one-time principal and interest payments, and meet certain credit requirements
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. Noncitizens residing and attending school in the U.S. may qualify by applying with a creditworthy cosigner, who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and providing an unexpired government-issued photo ID.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
While Ascent provides traditional student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, it also stands out with some options that are uncommon among private student loan lenders. For example, its Outcomes-Based Loan, which doesn't require established credit or a cosigner, is available to juniors and seniors. When assessing your application, Ascent considers factors including your school, major, and GPA to determine if you're eligible.
Ascent also offers its Progressive Repayment plan to qualified borrowers. It allows you to begin with smaller payments at the start of the repayment term and then gradually pay more each month over time. If you borrow with a cosigner, they can be released after you make as few as 12 monthly payments. However, cosigners on loans for international students do not qualify.
pros
- Doesn’t charge application fees or origination fees
- Offers discounts of 0.50 to 1 percentage points when making automatic payments
- Can get a 1% cash-back reward after you graduate
- Grace periods from 9 to 36 months
cons
- May find lower interest rates with some competitors
- International students don’t have option to release cosigners
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$2,001 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits of $200,000 for undergrads and $400,000 for graduates
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or DACA student enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. International students with a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance (aggregate $225,000 limit)
Overview
Abe's private student loans are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and students in certificate programs. The lender is unique in allowing you to borrow even if you're enrolled less than half-time.
Abe offers rate discounts and payment relief that other lenders don't, such as a reduction in your rate with autopay and for every six months of on-time payments, up to a total of 0.50 percentage points. Borrowers can also extend their grace period up to an additional six months. Plus, you can lengthen your repayment term by five years, which can be helpful if you need to lower your monthly payments or request a hardship forbearance for 12 months.
pros
- Offers 2% loan reduction after graduation
- Doesn’t charge late fees
- Can reduce interest rate by making on-time payments
- Possible repayment term and grace period extension
cons
- Doesn’t offer parent loans
- Not available in all states
Minimum income
$1 (must have positive income)
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance (for undergrad loans; $350,000 for graduate loans)
Cosigner release
Available after 12 monthly principal and interest payment
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school in the U.S. who apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. Loans not available to permanent residents of West Virginia.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
College Ave offers student loans for almost every type of degree program, with a range of repayment options, including a unique 8-year repayment term. Additionally, you can get extended grace periods of as long as 36 months on graduate, dental, and medical student loans.
About 90% of undergraduates applying with a cosigner are approved for additional student loans. However, you must complete at least half of your repayment term before you can remove a cosigner for your loan. Some lenders allow cosigners to be released much sooner, after as few as 1 to 2 years of payments.
pros
- Rate discount of one-quarter of a percentage point for using autopay
- Does not charge origination or application fees
- Grace periods between 9 and 36 months for graduate, MBA, law, dental, and medical school loans
cons
- Parent borrowers are required to pay at least the interest while the student is in school
- Cosigners not eligible for release until at least half the repayment term of the loan is completed
Loan terms
5, 8, 10, or 15 years for most borrowers (law, dental, medical, and other health profession students have up to 20 years)
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits depend on your degree and credit profile
Cosigner release
Available after more than half of the scheduled repayment period has elapsed and other requirements are met
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. International students with a Social Security number and a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Credible rating
To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
Sallie Mae offers the Smart Option Student Loan for undergraduate students and a suite of loans for graduate students. You can borrow up to your school-certified cost of attendance and apply just once annually to get the funds you need for the entire academic year. Plus, applying for a Smart Option Student Loan with a cosigner may help you get a better rate.
Through Sallie Mae, you can find a variety of loans designed for specific needs, including loans for MBA programs, law school, medical school, and health profession programs.
pros
- Can borrow up to school-certified cost of attendance
- No prepayment or origination fees
- Loans available to noncitizens with an eligible cosigner
- Cosigner release after 12 on-time payments
cons
- No parent loan options
- Does not offer student loan refinancing
- Loan terms not disclosed until after you apply
Loan terms
10 to 15 years for the Smart Option Student Loan; 15 years for law school, MBA, and graduate school loans; 20 years for medical school loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance. Student must be listed as the borrower, and a parent may cosign.
Cosigner release
After you graduate, make 12 one-time principal and interest payments, and meet certain credit requirements
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. Noncitizens residing and attending school in the U.S. may qualify by applying with a creditworthy cosigner, who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and providing an unexpired government-issued photo ID.
Airline pilot loan programs
Some airline-sponsored training programs offer stipends or tuition assistance to help you finance your education, giving you a pathway to flying for a major airline. These are several of the ones to consider:
Scholarships and grants for aspiring pilots
You can get financial awards through scholarships and grants that you don't have to pay back. Aviation students can look into these:
- Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships: Aviation scholarships for females; qualifications vary by scholarship type
- Navigate Your Future Scholarship: Must be a senior in high school and accepted or enrolled in an aviation-related program at an accredited university
- EAA scholarships: Requires a 2.5 GPA or higher; applications open Oct. 1
- AOPA Flight Training Scholarships: Each scholarship has different minimum requirements; applications open Oct. 6
- Lyons Aviation Foundation scholarships: Offers $1,500 minimum and up to the entire cost of a private pilot certificate
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA): Available to college students studying aviation
- Delta Propel Scholarship Path: Available to candidates nominated by Delta's affiliate organizations for flight training, and provides a direct route to a Delta cockpit
- United Aviate Academy: Various scholarships available after acceptance into the program
“Students can go to the Federal Aviation Administration's website to see which scholarships and grants are available, in addition to doing an Internet search to find out which private foundations offer scholarships and grants. Flight schools also might have scholarship and grant information,” says Bubb.
Pros and cons of flight school loans
While loans can help, it’s important to weigh the advantages against the drawbacks of borrowing for flight school before taking on the debt.
Pros
- Can cover the full cost of training
- Federal loans offer flexible repayment options
- Some private lenders accept certificate programs
- Airline stipends or bonuses may reduce debt
Cons
- Not all schools qualify for federal aid
- Private loans may require a cosigner
- Limited income-based repayment options
- High overall cost of becoming a commercial pilot
Personal loans can fill the gap if you're at a non-degree flight school or don't qualify for student loan programs. However, because repayment starts immediately and terms are shorter, the monthly payment may be much higher compared to a student-style career loan.
Editor insight: “I strongly recommend setting up an automatic payment plan for your flight school loans. Many lenders offer a discounted interest rate if you do, and it can help ensure you never miss a due date.”
— Renee Fleck, Student Loans Editor, Credible
Private vs. federal flight school loans
When comparing federal vs. private flight school loans, be aware that private loans don't have the same repayment options or benefits as federal loans. Private lenders don't offer income-driven repayment plans or loan forgiveness opportunities. You also may be unable to take advantage of deferment or forbearance options.
“Federal loans are preferable because there is much greater flexibility when it comes to repayment,” says Martin Lynch, president of the Financial Counseling Association of America. “Private lenders have not been very creative when it comes to repayment plans that suit the income of their borrowers.”
Most students are likely to be able to get lower interest rates with federal loans, which are set by the government, do not require a credit check, and are the same for all borrowers. Most private lenders determine your student loan interest rates based largely on your credit score and financial history. A creditworthy cosigner could help you get a lower rate on a private student loan for flight school.
FAQ
Is there a way to get flight school paid for?
Open
The best way to get free funding for flight school is through scholarships and grants. Organizations like the United Aviate Academy, Delta Propel, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) offer scholarships and grants for aviation students that don’t need to be repaid.
Which loan is best for pilot training?
Open
Federal student loans are typically the best loans for pilot training if your school participates in the federal student aid program. Federal loans offer fixed interest rates that aren’t based on credit, and they include benefits such as income-driven repayment and potential access to loan forgiveness.
Do airlines pay for flight school?
Open
In most cases, airlines don't pay for your initial flight training. But it's possible for airline-sponsored programs to reimburse you for a portion of your flight school tuition or give you a stipend for living expenses during training.
Will FAFSA pay for pilot school?
Open
The FAFSA typically doesn’t cover standalone pilot certificate programs, such as ATP flight school. However, if you’re pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in aviation at an accredited school, you may qualify for federal aid like Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study opportunities.
Can I qualify for a flight school loan if I attend school half-time?
Open
If you attend flight school half-time and your school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, you can qualify for a federal student loan if you meet the basic eligibility requirements. Private student loan requirements vary by lender, but some — such as Sallie Mae — allow students to attend flight school half-time or less.
Is it hard to get a loan for flight school?
Open
It can be difficult to get federal student loans for flight school if your program isn't accredited or doesn't participate in the Title IV federal financial aid program. However, many aviation students can qualify for private student loans if they have good credit and a steady income, or a cosigner who meets those requirements.
How do most people pay for pilot school?
Open
Most students cover the cost of pilot training using a mix of savings, federal and private student loans, and scholarships from flight schools and private organizations.
What is the cheapest way to become a pilot?
Open
Pursuing lower-cost licenses like a student pilot certificate or sport pilot certificate can reduce your overall pilot training expenses. Military service members and veterans can also use their GI Bill benefits to pay for flight training.
Are there any federal grants for flight school?
Open
The FAA offers Aviation Workforce Development Grants to support pilot training programs, but the funding goes to schools and organizations, not directly to students. These grants help expand flight training opportunities through curriculum development, access to simulators, and scholarships. If you're considering flight school, ask if your program is supported by one of these grants.
How do lenders decide if I qualify for a flight school loan?
Open
Lenders determine your eligibility for a flight school loan by looking at factors like your credit score and history, income relative to your debts, and your cosigner’s financial information (if applicable). Each lender has its own criteria, so while your credit score may not be high enough for one lender, you could still qualify with another.
How long does it take to get a flight school loan?
Open
While it may only take a few minutes to apply for a flight school loan and find out if you’re approved, it can take anywhere from 10 days to a few weeks for a loan to be disbursed, depending on the lender.
Meet the expert:
Richard Richtmyer
Richard Richtmyer is a senior editor with over 20 years of finance experience. He's an expert on student loans, capital markets, investing, real estate, technology, business, government, and politics.
