One of the most prominent providers of professional pilots, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a school that focuses almost exclusively on flying and aeronautical degree programs. From its main campus located at the Daytona Beach International Airport, the school flies a fleet of about 60 airplanes, most of which are equipped with the latest technology, such as Garmin glass cockpit. ERAU's main flying program, the aeronautical science bachelor's degree, allows students to obtain all required ratings in addition to a conventional education. The school is routinely well ranked in the U.S. News university reports.
Located in Melbourne, Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) offers numerous degrees that also include flight training, including bachelor's degrees in aeronautical science, aviation management, or meteorology. The school flies a large fleet of Piper training aircraft and takes students from the private license stage all the way through earning a flight instructor rating. Somewhat unusual for a collegiate flight program, FIT also offers helicopter flight training.
While ERAU and FIT are schools focused on aeronautics and technology, Jacksonville University is a more typical university that happens to offer an aviation program. The main offering for prospective pilots is an aviation management degree that offers numerous specializations in addition to completing flight training. The flight training is completed with an outside provider, Aerosim Flight Academy, located at the Craig Municipal Airport a few miles from the main campus.
Broward College (BC) is a community college located in the Fort Lauderdale area that offers flying programs through its aviation institute. The school offers an associate's degree in professional pilot technology that allows students to fly in partnership with Aerosim Flight Academy; all necessary licenses are obtained in as little as two years while earning a degree. BC also has other aviation-oriented degree programs such as maintenance, management and air traffic control. The credits obtained at BC can be transferred to several four-year schools, including ERAU.