The Best Military-Friendly Aviation Maintenance Schools in 2026
The best military-friendly aviation maintenance schools are Tarrant County College (68.1), Kansas State University Salina (67.8), and San Diego Miramar College (64.7). All three are FAA-approved (Part 147) aircraft mechanic schools that say veterans can use GI Bill benefits there.
Tarrant County College pairs a national score built on 60 aviation maintenance awards a year and about $7,074 in program tuition, plus both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings, an associate degree option, and an avionics option with credit for military training, military Tuition Assistance, and a named veterans office. K-State Salina earns 10 of 20 military access points, for military Tuition Assistance and a named veterans office.
San Diego Miramar College ranks #1 nationally on about $2,760 in program tuition and a 48% graduation rate, and names credit for military training.
The Rule
Which Schools Count as Military-Friendly
A school makes this list of military-friendly aviation maintenance schools only when its own website says veterans can use VA education benefits there: an approval statement, a list of approved programs, or a School Certifying Official who certifies GI Bill enrollment. Each card quotes the words and links the page.
99 aviation maintenance schools qualify, and every one of them is ranked below.
GI Bill-Approved, Ranked
99
School websites
Yellow Ribbon Schools
8
Ranked list
Credit for Military Training
19
Ranked list
Tuition Assistance Accepted
39
Ranked list
Ranked Cards
The 15 Best Military-Friendly Aviation Maintenance Schools
Each card shows the military-friendly score out of 100 and its math (national score x 0.8 + military access points), the national score bars, and the school's own words on GI Bill approval and military benefits, linked to the page they come from.
Score bars: Outcomes (30)Cost (25)Program Depth (20)Access (15)Scale (10)
-
#1
Tarrant County College
Fort Worth, Texas
68.1 of 100
This program fits Fort Worth-area students who want airframe or powerplant training plus an avionics line maintenance certificate, though the day track runs a full two years and typically carries a lengthy waitlist.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Airframe or Powerplant; Level 1 & 2 Certificates; plus 1 more
- Length
- Day track: 2 years; Night track: 3 years
- Cost
- $4,440, total tuition and fees, AAS Airframe or AAS Powerplant (60 credits each), in-state in-county, 2026-2027
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Schedule
- Day: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Night: Monday-Thursday, 5:30-11 p.m.
- Avionics
- Avionics Line Maintenance enhanced skills certificate
- Score: 66.4 x 0.8 + 15 = 68.1
- GI Bill:
Our Admissions and Registrar Offices can help you with: Applying for the GI Bill® and other VA educational benefits
- Military Credit:
Credit for Military Experience : Earn course credit for your time in the military.
- Tuition Assistance:
Get information about Military Tuition Assistance or tuition deferral for Texas veterans.
- Veterans Office:
VetSuccess on Campus : Manage your education benefits and explore career goals with help from our VA on-campus counselors.
-
#2
Kansas State University Salina
Salina, Kansas
67.8 of 100
This public university program fits students who want both an associate and a bachelor's degree route to eligibility for the FAA mechanic certificate, with in-state tuition near $10,243 and hands-on hangar training in Salina, Kansas.
- Type
- University
- Credentials
- Associate degree and Bachelor's degree, with FAA A&P certification eligibility
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Avionics
- Avionics electronics technology certificate (NCATT certified)
- Score: 72.2 x 0.8 + 10 = 67.8
- GI Bill: A School Certifying Official handles VA education benefits on campus.
The space also provides a dedicated School Certifying Official (SCO) and Military-Connected Student Coordinator
- Tuition Assistance:
Federal Tuition assistance is offered to qualified members of the armed forces.
- Veterans Office:
Military Affiliated Resource Center is an on-campus space for military-connected students
-
#3
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, California
64.7 of 100
This program suits students who want to choose between day and night tracks and can use credit for prior learning, in a Part 147 certificated program at San Diego Miramar College.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Certificate of Achievement in Aviation Maintenance Technology Airframe; Certificate of Achievement in Aviation Maintenance Technology Powerplant; plus 2 more
- Length
- approximately 1900 hours, 5 semesters, 78 units, 2.5 years to complete
- Cost
- $46, per unit, California resident (78 units for the Certificate; non-resident $304 per unit; tools and equipment not included)
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Schedule
- Day or night track (students choose one, not a combination)
- Score: 74.6 x 0.8 + 5 = 64.7
- GI Bill:
San Diego Miramar College is also approved (under Title 38 U.S. Code) by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education and the Department of Veteran Affairs Regional Office
- Military Credit:
Pending Aviation Department review and approval, students who have completed military technical schools recognized by the FAA may apply to the Aviation Maintenance Technology Department for "Credit for Prior Learning."
-
#4
Broward College
Pembroke Pines, Florida
64.0 of 100
This associate degree program fits someone in South Florida who wants airframe, powerplant, and avionics training under one aviation institute, on either a traditional or accelerated schedule.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate of Science (AS) in Aviation Maintenance
- Length
- Traditional track: 18-19 months (5 semesters); Express track: 13 months (3.5 semesters)
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Schedule
- Morning or evening classes
- Starts
- Spring 2027 cohort (Express track, applications open)
- Avionics
- Separate avionics program at the same institute
- Score: 73.8 x 0.8 + 5 = 64.0
- GI Bill:
Broward College has approved programs for Veterans training which includes pursuing approved Associate and Bachelor's degrees and some certificate programs.
- Tuition Assistance:
Active Duty service members, eligible Reservists, and National Guardsmen can also use their military benefits at Broward College.
-
#5
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, California
63.6 of 100
This program fits students who want avionics training added to their airframe and powerplant coursework, on a two-year track toward an associate degree in Southern California's Inland Empire.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate degree (Airframe and Powerplant AS); Certificate - Airframe and Powerplant Technician; plus 2 more
- Length
- 2-year curriculum
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Avionics
- Aircraft Electrical and Avionics Technician certificate
- Score: 67.0 x 0.8 + 10 = 63.6
- GI Bill:
please select what GI Bill® benefits you intend to use while at Chaffey College to get started
- Tuition Assistance: The veterans page covers the military program for active duty students.
Active Duty Tuition Assistance Program
- Veterans Office:
For questions about this process, contact the Veterans Resource Center
-
#6
Aviation Institute of Maintenance Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
62.6 of 100
Veterans and students who want an on-site FAA testing center and GI Bill eligibility, working toward a certificate or associate degree, fit well on the Indianapolis campus.
- Type
- Private Aviation School
- Credentials
- Certificate and Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Schedule
- day and evening classes
- Starts
- September class start referenced (apply-by-9/27 fee waiver)
- Score: 65.7 x 0.8 + 10 = 62.6
- GI Bill:
Approved for the Training of Veterans and other Eligibles by the State Approving Agency
- Tuition Assistance:
Our schools participate in active duty tuition assistance (TA) programs for the armed forces.
- Veterans Office:
Each AIM campus has a Military Representative on staff
-
#7
Craven Community College
Havelock, North Carolina
62.6 of 100
Craven Community College fits students who want hands-on training on military and civilian aircraft with a clear transfer pathway to a bachelor's degree at East Carolina University.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate in Applied Science; Diploma
- Length
- four semesters plus two summer school sessions
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Score: 65.7 x 0.8 + 10 = 62.6
- GI Bill:
It is a VA requirement that Craven CC's School Certifying Official maintain a degree plan for each student's educational objective.
- Tuition Assistance:
Active Duty Military Tuition Assistance Program (TA) - Each branch of the Armed Services offers a TA program
- Veterans Office:
visit the College's Office of Veterans Affairs for more information
-
#8
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
61.1 of 100
This program fits students who want an associate degree with both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings, an avionics option, and GI Bill eligibility in Cedar City, Utah.
- Type
- University
- Credentials
- Associate's Degree with Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certifications
- Length
- about 18 months / five consecutive semesters
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Avionics
- Avionics certificate alongside the AMT program
-
#9
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, Los Angeles Campus
Inglewood, California
59.3 of 100
This program fits students who want a choice between an 18-month diploma or a 22-month associate degree, both covering the Airframe and Powerplant ratings, at Spartan's main campus in Inglewood, California.
- Type
- Private Aviation School
- Credentials
- Diploma; Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS)
- Length
- Diploma: 18 Months; Associate of Occupational Studies: 22 months
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Schedule
- Day Shift (Airframe & Powerplant Diploma, Mon-Fri 7:30am-1:45pm)
- Starts
- 1/5/26; 3/16/26; 5/26/26; 8/3/26; 9/8/26; 11/16/26
-
#10
Guilford Technical Community College
Greensboro, North Carolina
59.3 of 100
This program fits someone who wants full-time day or evening training toward both Airframe and Powerplant ratings in a hangar tied to named industry partners.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate in Applied Science; Diploma; plus 3 more
- Length
- 6 semesters (2 years) for full A&P licensing
- Cost
- $9,850, total program (tuition, books, fees, tools)
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Schedule
- day (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) or evening (4 p.m.-9 p.m.)
- Starts
- Fall and Spring entry
- Score: 55.4 x 0.8 + 15 = 59.3
- GI Bill: At the Veterans and Military Resource Center, veterans can.
Apply for and receive VA educational benefits to pay for college
- Military Credit:
I am a veteran with aircraft maintenance experience. Can I gain credit for my experience? Yes. You may be able to receive credit for your experience.
- Tuition Assistance:
Tuition Assistance may be provided to eligible Active Duty and Reserve members through their respective military units, Federal or State.
- Veterans Office:
The Veterans and Military Resource Center (VMRC) helps students find resources to be successful in school.
-
#11
Aviation Institute of Maintenance Atlanta
Duluth, Georgia
59.0 of 100
This program fits students near metro Atlanta who want a two-year path to an associate degree alongside airframe and powerplant training, on a campus that draws visiting employers like Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
- Type
- Private Aviation School
- Credentials
- Certificate and Associate of Occupational Science degree (also offers an Aviation Maintenance Technical Engineer Certificate)
- Length
- A&P certification training and an associate degree in less than two years
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Schedule
- Day and evening classes
- Starts
- September class start referenced (application fee waiver for 9/27 apply-by deadline)
- Score: 61.3 x 0.8 + 10 = 59.0
- GI Bill:
All AIM campuses are approved for Veteran Educational Benefits for eligible veterans
- Tuition Assistance:
Our schools participate in active duty tuition assistance (TA) programs for the armed forces.
- Veterans Office:
Each AIM campus has a Military Representative on staff
-
#12
Somerset Community College
Somerset, Kentucky
57.8 of 100
Somerset Community College fits Kentucky residents who want a public associate degree in aviation maintenance with tuition potentially covered by the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, at a campus next to Somerset/Pulaski County Airport.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree (66 credits); Airframe and Power Plant Maintenance Technician Diploma (57 credits); plus 2 more
- Length
- two years at full-time status for the AAS degree
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Score: 59.8 x 0.8 + 10 = 57.8
- GI Bill:
In order to receive your monthly VA educational benefits, if found eligible, you need to declare a major
- Military Credit:
Credit for Military Veterans - Pending department review and approval, students who have completed military technical training recognized by the FAA may receive credit for up to three semesters toward the Aviation Maintenance program.
- Tuition Assistance:
If you are on active duty, a drilling reservist, or a member of the National Guard you may qualify for Federal or State Tuition Assistance (TA).
-
#13
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, Kentucky
57.2 of 100
This program fits students near Louisville who want a public four-semester Aviation Maintenance Technology program with an optional avionics certificate and a selective admissions process.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS); Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance Technician Diploma; plus 1 more
- Length
- four semesters, or two years
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Avionics
- Introduction to Aviation Electronics certificate
- Score: 59.0 x 0.8 + 10 = 57.2
- GI Bill:
Educational Benefits Learn about benefits such as the GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance and Tuition Waivers.
- Military Credit:
Aircraft Mechanics may also receive training in the military and have those training records, along with the experience on military aircraft, evaluated by the FAA.
- Tuition Assistance:
Educational Benefits Learn about benefits such as the GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance and Tuition Waivers.
-
#14
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
57.1 of 100
This program fits students who want an associate degree combining airframe and powerplant training with credit for life and work experience, at a large private university in Lynchburg, Virginia.
- Type
- University
- Credentials
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Length
- 87 credit hours
- GI Bill
- Approved
- Starts
- Jan 18, 2027; Spring 2027; Fall 2027; Spring 2028 and beyond
-
#15
Victor Valley College
Victorville, California
56.9 of 100
This fits budget-conscious California residents who want a low-cost, year-round associate degree combining airframe and powerplant training.
- Type
- Community College
- Credentials
- Associate in Science (AS) in Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Length
- 18 months (per catalog)
- Cost
- $3,772, total program (8 required AVA courses, 82 units at $46/unit California resident rate)
- GI Bill
- Approved
The Rest of the List
More GI Bill-Approved Schools, Ranked
Methodology
How the Military-Friendly Score Works
Military-friendly aviation maintenance schools are ordered by a score that is 80% of the school's national score plus up to 20 military access points, so it stays out of 100. A point counts only when the school states the benefit in its own words.
Military-friendly score = national score x 0.8 + military access points
| Benefit | Points | What the School Must Say |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Ribbon Program | 5 | The school says it takes part in the VA Yellow Ribbon Program, which can cover private or out-of-state tuition above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap. |
| Credit for Military Training | 5 | The school says it awards credit for military training or experience toward the program. |
| Military Tuition Assistance | 5 | The school says service members can use military Tuition Assistance there. |
| Named Veterans Office | 5 | The school names a veterans center, office, or military representative that helps students use their benefits. |
The national score covers outcomes, cost, program depth, access, and scale. The full rules are on our ranking methodology page, and the same schools appear in the national ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Military-Friendly Aviation Maintenance Schools?
Can I Use the GI Bill for Aircraft Mechanic School?
Does Military Maintenance Experience Count Toward the FAA Mechanic Certificate?
Can Service Members Take the FAA Mechanic Tests for Free?
Which of These Schools Take Part in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Sources
- FAA AV-Info Part 147 school records
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
- VA.gov: Non-College Degree Programs (GI Bill benefits)
- FAA: Experience Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
- FAA: Become an Aviation Mechanic
All sources retrieved .
Every figure on this page comes from a published source listed above. Our data methodology explains how the school list, distances, pay data, and rankings are built.