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
Beaufort County Community College
Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC)Tradewind partners with Beaufort County Community College on the Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program — an accelerated 16-month pathway designed for students who want to fast-track a professional flying career. Developed in cooperation with BCCC and aviation researcher Dr. Chris Johnson, the program takes students from zero experience through PPL, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot License, with optional CFI and Multi-Engine add-ons.
- Complete PPL, IFR, and CPL in just 16 months
- Ground school at BCCC; flight training at Washington-Warren Field
- Optional CFI, CFII, and Multi-Engine ratings available
- Flexible scheduling for traditional students, veterans, and adult learners
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
Military & Veterans
Veterans Can Use GI Bill Benefits for College Partnership Programs
If you're a veteran or transitioning service member, your GI Bill or DoD SkillBridge eligibility may cover flight training costs — including programs that count toward your degree. Learn more about all of our military and veteran pathways.
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.