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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

You can often hear engines in the distance, a reminder that Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics sits near a working airfield. The campus is known for hands-on learning in aircraft systems, precision work, and safety mindset. Classrooms sit alongside shop spaces and hangar-style labs, with tool rooms, tutoring, advising, and a career office that helps with resumes and mock interviews. It feels practical and focused, but not cold. People know your name.

Student life skews tight-knit and collaborative, with clubs, guest talks, and casual hangouts in between projects. And when there's time, Pittsburgh's neighborhoods, sports, coffee spots, and riverfront trails are an easy hop. The culture values teamwork, accountability, and steady problem solving. Career preparation stays front and center, with a reputation for strong employer interest and alumni working across aviation and related fields. The distinguishing touch is simple: learning beside real aircraft, not far from where they fly.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 5 Allegheny County Airport, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, 15122, USA
Website: pia.edu
Unit ID: 215381

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: ACCSC
Length of Study: Programs of 2 to less than 4 years (e.g. associate degree)
Calendar System: Quarter system (four terms per year: fall, winter, spring, summer)
Award Levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 2-Year Focus - Technical Professions
Campus Setting: Located in a large suburb (outside principal city, 250,000+ population)
Tuition: In-state: $17,725 (Tuition $16,995 + Fee $730) · Out-of-state: $17,725 (Tuition $16,995 + Fee $730)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 591
Undergraduate: 591
Graduate/Other: 0
Male: 551 Female: 40
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 104 Full-time: 80 Part-time: 24

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Pennsylvania. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Pennsylvania vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Eng. Technologies (2)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.0801 Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y, Assoc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing aircraft, spacecraft and their systems. Includes instruction in aircraft/spacecraft systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
17-3013 Mechanical Drafters $74,040 $61,250 -$12,790 (-17.3%)
17-3021 Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $86,330 N/A N/A
Mechanics (1)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0609 Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of aircraft operating, control, and electronic systems. Includes instruction in flight instrumentation, aircraft communications and homing systems, radar and other sensory systems, navigation aids, and specialized systems for various types of civilian and military aircraft.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
17-3021 Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $86,330 N/A N/A
49-2091 Avionics Technicians $82,350 $100,550 +$18,200 (+22.1%)
51-2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $66,510 $84,350 +$17,840 (+26.8%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$18,734
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$18,734
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$17,725
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$17,725
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,992 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,009
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$10,637 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$7,914
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

35%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$6,512
Avg. Loan
$8,801
Avg. Federal Loan
$6,469
Additional
Students with Any Grant
87
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
66
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
72
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$1,667
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$46,942 – $88,859
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$46,942 (25th %) $88,859 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $66,642
Median Salary After 6 Years
$59,400
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$66,642
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
63.4%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
73.2%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$12,230
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 53.9%
Middle 71.0%
High 76.3%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 72.8%
Independent 48.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA)

How much does it cost to attend Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA)?

The annual tuition at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) is $17,725 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $18,734 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,992 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,009.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics offer?

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) offers 5 academic programs across 2 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (2 programs)
  • Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics?

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) provides financial aid to 35% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,512 and average loans of $8,801.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,857
  • State/Local grants: $4,636
  • Institutional grants: $1,667
  • Federal loans: $6,469

The university supports 87 students with grants and 66 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates?

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) graduates earn a median salary of $59,400 after 6 years and $66,642 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $46,942 (25th percentile) to $88,859 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $90,800 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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