Financing and scholarships
Helicopter pilot training is a significant investment, but don’t let that intimidate you. There are many reasonable factors that contribute to that final price and there are a variety of funding options available that can help make it easier than ever to fund your flight training.
Financing
There are many options for financing your future flight career. Listed below are our exclusive scholarships for students enrolled in our professional pilot program in partnership with Lake Superior College and other alternatives including federal and private funding options.
‣ SCHOLARSHIPS
This scholarship is available for students enrolled in the professional pilot program through Lake Superior College. Two scholarships are given each year to students based on financial need.
Cleared for Landing Scholarship
Given out mid-semester to students in the professional pilot program through Lake Superior College who need additional flight time to complete training during the semester.
Women currently comprise only 7% of all FAA commercial pilots. Lake Superior Helicopters is looking to help increase that percentage with the Women Rising Scholarship. Applicants must have the intention to fully complete the program up to their CFII rating and continue with the program for each consecutive semester. The award of $21,000 is divided into equal amounts of $4,200 for each of the five semesters of the program.
You can find other scholarship opportunities exclusive to you through our program partnership through Lake Superior College here:
Lake Superior College Foundation | www.lscfoundation.com
While this list includes all scholarships exclusive to our program, you can find others available here:
AEERO | www.aeero.com
AOPA | www.aopa.com
AE Memorial (Ninety-Nines) | www.ninety-nines.org
FAA | www.faa.gov/education/grants_and_scholarships/
HAI Foundation | www.haifoundation.org
IHF Foundation | www.ihartflying.org
NCASE | www.aviationeducation.org
WAI (Women in Aviation) | www.wai.org
Whirly Girls | www.whirlygirls.org
‣ OTHER FINANCING
Private Loans
The cost of flight training can be what keeps most people from pursuing their dreams of flight. Luckily, there are plenty of local, national, and federal options to help fund your career.
AOPA | www.aopa.com
Wells Fargo | www.wellsfargo.com
Sallie Mae | www.salliemae.com
LendKey | www.lendkey.com
BND | www.bnd.nd.gov
Federal Funding
Available only to students pursuing a degree-seeking path.
Federal Pell Grant – The Pell Grant is awarded on the basis of financial need, and the maximum award amount is $5,500.
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans – These low-interest student loans are offered by the Federal government to help students find the money they need to complete their education.
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents – The Direct PLUS loan can be borrowed by the parent or legal guardian of a dependent child to help pay for their child’s education.
Our Duluth, Minnesota location is approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs – a Minnesota State Approving Agency to utilize your GI Bill® benefits for veterans. Additionally, our partnership with Lake Superior College allows veterans to utilize their GI Bill® benefits as well.
Financial Aid
The Department of Education encourages all students to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, and student employment. In addition, you can apply for scholarships.
To apply for financial aid with Lake Superior College, click here.
To schedule an online meeting with the Financial Aid office at Lake Superior College, click here.
‣ ready to get started?
If you’re ready to get started, fill out our online form, and our team will be in touch regarding your next steps in joining our program.