The Face of Collegiate Aviation: Factors Impacting Self-Selection of Collegiate Aviation Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence student selection of a four-year post-secondary commercial aviation program. Additionally, this study attempted to determine if there is a difference in factors based upon gender and race that influenced choice of a four-year post-secondary commercial aviation program. Specifically, the primary focus was to collect data from aviation students regarding choice factors in enrolling in four-year post-secondary institutions. The survey method allowed the researcher to collect data from students enrolled in four-post secondary aviation programs to determine the current factors influencing student choices. In addition, the study examined enrollment data by gender and race of students in 23 four-year post-secondary aviation programs. Findings suggest the factors that influence selection of a four-year post-secondary aviation program are similar for all aviation students. The students that are drawn to four-year post-secondary aviation programs are there simply for aviation. Specifically, study results suggest that students enroll in fouryear post-secondary aviation programs because they want to fly (62%). Additionally, the 10 most influential program and institutional characteristics that attract students to collegiate aviation were
program educational quality, university reputation, condition of equipment, institutional educational quality, location of institution, small class size, safety concerns, program characteristics, student to faculty ratio, and distance from home. These findings will be especially helpful to collegiate aviation programs that actively recruit students to their institution.