Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: $17,725 Tuition

$17,725Tuition

591Students

59%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$66,642Earnings

#17 in PennsylvaniaPrivate nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics has trained aviation professionals since 1929, building a reputation as one of the country's top flight maintenance schools. The technical college specializes in aviation maintenance and aeronautical engineering technology programs. With just 591 students on its suburban campus outside Pittsburgh, PIA offers the focused, hands-on training that airlines and aerospace companies demand. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in laboratory and hangar settings.

Students pay an average net price of $31,389 after financial aid, with 38% receiving federal Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $66,642 ten years after completion, making the typical debt load of $12,230 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $130, and the 97.5% employment rate shows strong industry demand for PIA graduates. The same tuition rate of $17,725 applies to all students regardless of residency.

The student body is overwhelmingly male at 93%, reflecting the gender composition of the aviation maintenance industry. Students come from across the country, with 60% traveling from out of state to attend this specialized program. The quarter system allows for intensive, accelerated learning that gets students into the workforce faster than traditional semester programs.

Academics & Faculty

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics trains students exclusively for aviation careers through hands-on technical programs in aircraft maintenance and aeronautical engineering technology. The school's 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized instruction in specialized labs filled with actual aircraft engines and avionics equipment. Students learn alongside working professionals who bring real-world experience from airlines and maintenance facilities. The 58.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of FAA certification requirements that students must meet. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused learning in subjects like turbine engine repair and aircraft electrical systems. Graduates earn FAA Airframe and Powerplant certifications that airlines actively seek when hiring maintenance technicians.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 58.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $66,642

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$46,267
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$44,701

View all 7 programs →

Campus Life

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics sits in West Mifflin, about 10 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh. Men make up 93.23% of the student body, creating a heavily male-dominated environment focused on hands-on aviation training. Students bundle up in winter coats from November through March as southwestern Pennsylvania temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

The 591-student campus revolves around aircraft hangars and technical labs rather than traditional dormitories. Most students commute from the Pittsburgh metro area since 39.72% come from in-state. Weekends often involve working on personal aircraft projects or heading into Pittsburgh for Steelers games and the city's food scene. The quarter system keeps students busy with intensive coursework that mirrors real aviation industry schedules. Students spend their days troubleshooting engines, studying FAA regulations, and getting their hands dirty with actual aircraft. The campus culture emphasizes precision and technical expertise over typical college social activities. With a 97.5% employment rate after graduation, students stay focused on building skills that airlines and maintenance facilities demand.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1929

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–35°F
July Avg: 63°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 77.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students come from across the country to train for aviation careers, with 60% traveling from out-of-state for the specialized programs. The school draws overwhelmingly male students at 93%, reflecting the male-dominated aviation maintenance industry. About 38% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking technical training. The diverse geographic mix includes students from all regions who see aviation as a pathway to stable, well-paying careers. Most students are white, but the school attracts minorities underrepresented in traditional four-year colleges who want hands-on technical education.

Men: 93.2%
Women: 6.8%
White: 80.5%
Black: 6.3%
Hispanic: 5.6%
Asian: 3.2%
In-State Students: 39.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.7%

Location

West Mifflin sits just 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, putting students within easy reach of one of Pennsylvania's major metropolitan areas. The suburb-large setting gives students access to urban opportunities while maintaining a more contained campus environment. Over 60% of students come from out-of-state, drawn to this specialized aviation center despite being far from major airports. The western Pennsylvania region offers a mix of industrial heritage and outdoor recreation, with the Monongahela River running nearby. The area's manufacturing background aligns well with the hands-on technical training the school provides. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics with similar schools in the region.

Address: West Mifflin, Pennsylvania 15122

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $66,642
Median Earnings (5 years): $66,233
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $47,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $130/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,230

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics?

PIA maintains a focused admission process for its specialized aviation programs with 591 enrolled students. The school attracts students serious about hands-on aviation careers, with men comprising 93.23% of the student body. Applicants typically need a high school diploma and demonstrated interest in aviation maintenance or aeronautical technology.

How much does Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $31,389 despite tuition of $17,725 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Only 37.71% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's specialized nature and career-focused student body. Monthly loan payments average just $130, making the aviation training relatively affordable.

What academic programs does Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics offer?

PIA specializes exclusively in aviation maintenance and aeronautical engineering technology with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The school operates on a quarter system, allowing students to complete their technical training efficiently. Founded in 1929, PIA has built a reputation for hands-on aviation education that directly prepares students for industry careers.

What are job prospects like for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates?

Graduates achieve an impressive 97.5% employment rate with median earnings of $66,642 ten years after graduation. The specialized aviation training leads to strong career outcomes, with recent graduates earning $53,884 in their first year. PIA's focus on in-demand technical skills explains why 58.90% of students complete their programs within six years.

Where is Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting outside Pittsburgh. With just 591 students and a heavily male student body at 93.23%, PIA offers an intimate, focused learning environment. The technical college atmosphere centers around aviation labs and hands-on training rather than traditional college social activities.

How does Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics compare to other technical schools?

PIA stands out for its exclusive focus on aviation careers, drawing students from across the country with 60.28% coming from out-of-state. The school's 97.5% employment rate exceeds most technical programs. Students graduate with relatively low debt at $12,230 median, reflecting PIA's efficient two-year programs and strong industry connections.