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How to Pay for Flight Training: Compare Your Options

Compare flight training estimates, loan terms, co-signer responsibilities, eligible education benefits, and payment-plan questions before choosing funding.

In this article

Begin with the current tuition information and a written estimate for the training path you are considering. Identify included training, separate expenses, and living costs before comparing ways to pay. Build the budget around available funds and the actual repayment terms, without relying on a future airline bonus or an assumed salary.

Red and white airplane parked on an airport ramp with mountains in the distance.

01

Understand the Co-Signer’s Responsibility

A lender may require a co-signer or offer different terms based on the application. A co-signer is also responsible for repayment, and missed payments can affect both borrowers’ credit. Review the interest rate, fees, repayment schedule, and any co-signer release conditions together before signing.

CFPB: What a student-loan co-signer agrees to

02

ELMSelect Financing

Students considering the Dodge City Community College pathway can ask the college about current enrollment and financing options. Compare lenders’ eligibility criteria and written terms. Confirm which training and other expenses a proposed loan covers and who determines approval.

Review the college degree pathway

03

VA Benefits

VA eligibility depends on the benefit, approved program, and individual circumstances. The rules for a college-degree program differ from standalone flight training. Ask the VA and the school’s certifying official to confirm your eligibility, covered expenses, and any remaining costs before enrolling.

VA: Flight training benefits and college-program distinctionExplore the college degree pathway

04

Stratus Financial

Review the current Stratus Financial information and compare its written offer with other funding options available to you. Ask about the annual percentage rate, fees, payment start date, total repayment amount, and terms if training is paused. Eligibility and approval are determined by the provider.

Review Stratus Financial information

05

Custom Payment Plan

For the in-house option, request the current payment schedule and written terms from admissions. Confirm any initial payment, monthly amount, included training, extra-hour costs, and what happens if your schedule changes. Compare the total obligations with a lender offer, not just the monthly payment.

Review the custom payment planCompare current training costs and inclusions

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Printables & planning tools

Open a resource to read it, then use your browser’s Print menu to print or save a PDF. Download the HTML file to keep a copy. No signup needed.

  • Printable HTML

    Training cost planning guide

    Organize the expenses and funding questions to discuss when requesting a written training estimate.

    Read & print Save HTML
  • Printable HTML

    Veteran training information

    Prepare questions about your training path and education benefits for the VA and your school’s certifying official.

    Read & print Save HTML

Compare the worksheet with a current training estimate.

Review tuition & inclusions

Sources & next steps

Plan your next step

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