IWU @ Sweet aviation
Fort WAyne, IN - Smith Field Airport
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in Marion, Indiana partners with Sweet Aviation to deliver innovative aviation degrees that combine online learning and local, flexible flight training.
Flight instruction can be an expensive, inflexible barrier.
Do you dream of becoming a pilot yet feel constrained by the available flight training options?
The truth is: Flight training is a high-demand field but the career path is expensive and inflexible. Individuals find these barriers difficult to overcome. As a result, dreams are unmet or delayed.
At Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), we believe that an aviation career is possible, so we have created a program that offers local, flexible flight training that prepares future pilots.
A 21st Century Challenge
Annual Public, Private Tuition
Across U.S. higher education, the average tuition for a public or private college ranges between $20K-$40K annually.
Average Distance to College
Students are staying on average within 50 miles of their family and friend, often reducing educational options.
Access to Federal Financial Aid
Private flight school attendance limits access to federal financial aid to cover the cost of flight instruction.
The Solution
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) addresses these challenges by offering
online aviation degrees with local flight training.
Flexible, Virtual, & Local Degrees
Students complete their flight training at a local airport while completing general education and major courses online.
Local, Professional Training
The local flight school offers a professional, safe environment with the aircraft and instructors for you to succeed.
Certified Flight Instructor Pathway
The degree plan allows you to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and earn income before you graduate.
Available Financial Aid
The degree program grants access to financial aid to help cover the costs of the degree and flight training.
Affordable + Accessible + Reputable
Higher Education
Debt-Free University
IWU has a consistent ethos of financial accountability that influences how we serve students through partnerships.
Wide Array of Programs
IWU offers a wide array of professional marketplace degree options to support the needs of different learners.
Regional Accreditation
IWU has been accredited and in good standing with the Higher Learning Commission since 1966.
Degree Programs
IWU offers two aviation degrees, including associate and bachelor's options. Both programs provide flight training in the local community along with quality online coursework to prepare the student for a career in the aviation field. Depending on the path, a student might pursue airline pilot, captain, or trainer positions. Management students might pursue leadership careers in an assortment of aviation fields. Both degrees lead to the following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates*:
- Private Pilot Airplane – Single-Engine Land
- Commercial Pilot – Airplane-Single-Engine Land
- Instrument Rating Airplane
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument
- Commercial Pilot - Airplane Multiengine (optional add-on)
*Academic credit is awarded for prior flight certification toward completion of the degree program.
Associate of Science Professional Pilot
- Pilot Training: Private through CFI Instrument
- Aviation Introduction: Aviation Careers & Transportation
- General Education
- Total Credits: 60 Hours
Bachelor of Science Aviation Management
- Pilot Training: Private through CFI Instrument
- Aviation Curriculum: Aviation Careers & Transportation, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Human Factors, Aviation Operations, Safety, & Regulations
- General Education
- Total Credits: 120 Hours
Flight School Partner
Sweet Aviation
902 W Ludwig Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
FAR Part 141 Training Provider
Becoming a certified pilot can seem like a daunting challenge, but when you learn with Sweet Aviation, you’ll discover that flight training is fun, safe, and rewarding! With a large and diverse, state-of-the-art fleet, experienced and professional team of certified flight instructors, and conveniently-located, spacious facilities, Sweet Aviation is the premier flight school in the Midwest.
Student FInances
Tuition*
As in Professional Pilot —> $299 per credit hour
BS in Aviation Management —> $392 per credit hour
* Other university fees may apply.
All-Inclusive Flight Training Fees
In addition to university tuition, each flight training partner sets its flight training fees based on the type of aircraft and training aircraft used, as well as local market conditions. Fees are inclusive of both flight and ground training for each certificate or rating and are based on budgeted training hours typically required for the average student to finish their program. Additional fees may be required if a training improvement program is assigned.
What's next?
Successful Applicants:
Successful applicants will hold a Class 1 or 2 FAA Medical Certificate and are able to commit four to five sessions per week to flight training. Sessions range from two to four hours and require both day and night training. Other documents are required for enrollment, along with a virtual interview. To start the process, "Apply to IWU" now!
Flight School Contact:
Michael Neese, CFI
Flight Training and Customer Service Manager
Email: michael@sweetaviation.com
Office: (260) 267-5505
Cell/Text: (812) 325-7459