Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024

Badge for BEST FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER COLLEGES FOR
By Dr. James Barham
Published:

Which are the best colleges for becoming an air traffic controller in the United States? We rank the top schools for this highly specialized degree.

Key Takeaways

  • Air traffic controllers earn an average salary of more than $129,000 per year, a higher than average salary.
  • You can begin a career in air traffic control by earning an associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
  • There are a number of majors that are closely related to air traffic control and may offer more career opportunities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manages approximately 45,000 aircraft carrying over 2.9 million passengers daily. Air traffic controllers, also known as air traffic control experts, direct and instruct pilots while performing the flight. The Federal Aviation Administration also monitors the weather and traffic conditions and redirects planes as needed.

Air traffic controllers earn a higher than average median salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average annual pay for air traffic controllers is $129,750.

However, due to the little or no change of job growth from 2021 to 2031 in air traffic controller jobs, air traffic control degrees are less popular than other aviation degrees. Because of that, there are only a handful of two- and four-year colleges and universities that offer air traffic control degrees.

Our ranking of the best schools for getting a degree in air traffic control looks at colleges and universities that offer an associate or bachelor’s degree in air traffic control. We’ve put together a list of the ten best community colleges and four-year universities that offer the highest caliber of air traffic control training and curriculum.


Featured Programs

Choosing the Best Air Traffic Controller School For You

Deciding which air traffic control program is right for you can often be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to start. To help you out, we’ve developed an aviation program ranking that weighs the degrees awarded.

We’ve used the following criteria to develop this ranking:

  • The school’s focus is on air traffic control majors vs. other majors.
  • The number of air traffic control applicants.
  • The number of student resources.
  • The school’s accreditation.

Associate Degree in Air Traffic Control

Earning an associate degree in the field is the quickest route to becoming a professional in air traffic control. Students at this degree level gain knowledge of federal government and air traffic control regulations.

This two-year degree offers students general education and core-specific courses, such as Air Traffic Control Methods, Aviation Meteorology, Airport Administration, Aviation Management, Aviation Safety, and the Aviation Industry.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Other community colleges, however, may require students to submit a letter of intent. Graduates will be prepared to transfer to the FAA Academy after graduation, where they will train to become FAA air traffic controllers.

Bachelor’s Degree in Air Traffic Control

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for students who want to become FAA air traffic controllers. This four-year air traffic control degree proves a student’s knowledge and abilities to manage the air traffic control system as it operates in the United States.

Coursework for the bachelor’s degrees in air traffic control will require student involvement in aviation labs and control systems, unmanned aerial systems, and computer-based simulation training in addition to general education and major-specific courses.

Courses in the bachelor’s degree in air traffic control include Introduction to the Air Traffic Tower Controllers, Basics of Air Traffic, Human Factors in Aviation Safety, and Aviation Weather.

Graduates with higher degree levels must continue their professional pilot’s training at the FAA academy like associate degree graduates, albeit their training duration may be shorter. Students will be prepared to take their pre-employment tests and begin on-the-job training once they finish their academy training.

A high school diploma or GED, or submission of any college credentials showing 24 credits or more earned are additional admission requirements. In some circumstances, the candidate must also write a letter of intent.

Bottom Line: Earning an associate degree in air traffic control can lead to a career in the field, but a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for entry into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy.


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The Best Air Traffic Controller Programs

  1. #1

    University of North Dakota

    Grand Forks , ND
    #5 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $10,951
    Expenses: $14,416
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Dakota known for?

    University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of North Dakota is one of the largest public universities in Grand Forks, North Dakota. A leading national university in the United States, UND is one of the best overall air traffic controller schools.

    UND offers a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in Air Traffic Management designed to prepare students for various careers involved in air traffic control. The air traffic controller program is #1 in North Dakota. The University of North Dakota awarded 33 bachelor’s degrees in air traffic control during the 2020–2021 academic year.

    Learn more about UND’s Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in Air Traffic Management.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Florida Institute of Technology

    Melbourne , FL
    #10 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $43,670
    Expenses: $17,346
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida Institute of Technology known for?

    Florida Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, is among the best private universities for students seeking an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school.

    Florida Institute of Technology offers an Associate of Arts in Air Traffic Control that has recently graduated 17 air traffic control students. It is one of the most popular higher education institutions in Florida. Students in this associate degree program are trained to become part of the National Airspace System.

    Learn more about FIT’s Associate of Arts in Air Traffic Control.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Alaska Anchorage

    Anchorage , AK
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Anchorage

    Cost of Degree: $7,508
    Expenses: $21,284
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alaska Anchorage known for?

    University of Alaska Anchorage’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Alaska Anchorage is a large public university with roughly 12,000 students, making it one of the most prominent public universities nationwide. Due to UUA’s reputation for academic excellence, it is one of Alaska’s top-ranking schools.

    UAA’s Associate of Applied Science in Air Traffic Control has recently awarded seven air traffic control degrees. The FAA has recognized this AAS degree as one of 36 air traffic control programs participating in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Students learn from former FAA air traffic controllers.

    Learn more about UAA’s Air Traffic Control AAS degree.

    Compare school

  5. #4

    Lewis University

    Romeoville , IL
    #13 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #20 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online Master's in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Lewis University

    Cost of Degree: $36,530
    Expenses: $15,590
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lewis University known for?

    Lewis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lewis University, Illinois’s most popular higher education institution, offers several undergraduate programs. It is a private Lasallian university located in Romeoville, Illinois.

    Thirteen students have recently graduated from LU’s Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Control Management. Students will develop soft and technical skills necessary for the FAA Academy. Students will study in LU’s state-of-the-art facilities.

    Learn more about LU’s Air Traffic Control BS degree.

    Lewis University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Sales
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Middle Georgia State University

    Macon , GA
    #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2024 #4 Best Online Associate in Political Science #5 Best Online Associate in Finance #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Georgia
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Middle Georgia State University

    Cost of Degree: $3,976
    Expenses: $18,185
    Starting Salary: $35,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middle Georgia State University known for?

    Middle Georgia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middle Georgia State University is located in Macon, Georgia. It is a top-ranked public university in the United States. Despite being a public university, the campus population is smaller than other public schools.

    The school’s Air Traffic Management degree program has recently awarded seven air traffic control degrees, making it the #1 popular air traffic control institution in Georgia.

    Learn more about MGA’s AAS in Air Traffic Management.

    Middle Georgia State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Technical Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Community College of Baltimore County

    Baltimore , MD
    #5 Best Community Colleges in Maryland 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Maryland 2024 #5 Best Online Associate in Human Services
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for degree at Community College of Baltimore County

    Cost of Degree: $6,918
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    What is Community College of Baltimore County known for?

    Community College of Baltimore County’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Considered Maryland’s most progressive community college, Community College of Baltimore County offers multiple associate and certificate programs that prepare students for transfer and career advancement. CCBC is #1 in the state.

    CCBC’s Associate of Applied Science in Air Traffic Control granted nine air traffic control degrees in the past academic year. The curriculum is designed to train students for work in Air Route Traffic Control Centers and other airport control towers.

    Learn more about CCBC’s AAS in Air Traffic Control.

    Compare school

  9. #7

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

    Daytona Beach , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

    Cost of Degree: $40,564
    Expenses: $19,408
    Starting Salary: $70,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach known for?

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach is focused on aviation and aerospace degrees and training programs. It is a private institution in Daytona Beach, Florida.

    Embry-Riddle - Daytona is among the best schools to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management degree from. The degree has recently awarded 34 students with air traffic control degrees. Graduates have explored a variety of co-ops and internships with airline, aviation, and air transportation organizations.

    Note that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has another branch in Prescott, Arizona that offers the same bachelor’s degree in air traffic management.

    Learn more about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach’s BS in Air Traffic Management.

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  10. #8

    Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

    Flushing , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

    Cost of Degree: $27,730
    Expenses: $23,280
    Starting Salary: $59,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology known for?

    Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    A university specializing in aviation and engineering education, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is based out of East Elmhurst, New York. Due to its educational focus on aviation, it’s one of the best universities to obtain an air traffic control degree from.

    Vaughn’s Associate in Air Traffic Control program helped 96% of its graduates pursue jobs and advanced degrees in the field. The program offers online courses. Students will have a hands-on learning experience using the most cutting-edge and sophisticated technologies and research in the field.

    Learn more about VCAT’s Air Traffic Control Program.

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  11. #9

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #12 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,372
    Starting Salary: $57,300
    What is Thomas Edison State University known for?

    Thomas Edison State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Thomas Edison State University, located in Trenton, New Jersey, is one of the state’s 11 senior public institutions of higher education. TESU has been acknowledged as one of the best schools for online learning. It’s also one of the few four-year colleges to offer an air traffic control degree.

    TESU’s Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Control is one of the most selective degrees, accepting only applicants with an FAA Control Tower Operator certification.

    Learn more about TESU’s Air Traffic Control BS.

    Thomas Edison State University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Accounting/Cpa
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in General Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Human Resource Management/Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science And Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in International Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiation Protection/Health Physics
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Energy Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology

The most popular degrees related to air traffic control are General Aeronautics, Aviation, and Aerospace Science and Technology, with a combined total of over 5,000 graduates annually. Degree programs in these majors allow students to study aviation, including airline operations and education on aviation systems’ commercial, technical, and general facets.

Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew

Degree programs in Airline, Commercial, and Professional Pilot and Flight Crew have an average of 2,000 graduates annually. These majors use technical knowledge and skills to educate students to operate commercial passenger and cargo, agricultural, public service, corporate, and rescue fixed-wing aircraft.

Aviation/Airway and Aeronautical Management Technology Operations

Coming in third are Aviation and Airway Management and Operations majors, with over 1,800 annual graduates. These degree programs study the business and managerial facets of the aviation sector. Students explore courses in aviation-related coursework as well as business courses in marketing, finance, accounting, and economics.


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Other Popular Air Traffic Control Related Majors

MajorAverage Annual Graduates
Air Transportation300
Airline Flight Attendant40
Flight Instructor30
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