Updated October 4, 2026. Verified against each school’s published program, cost and schedule information, ACCSC disclosures and FAA pass-rate data.
The Washington, DC, area has two FAA-certificated A&P mechanic programs: Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Manassas and the University of the District of Columbia at Reagan National Airport. Within about two hours are Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in Hagerstown, Maryland, and Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, which teaches about half its program online.
Key Takeaways
- Lowest cost: UDC, about $15,510 for Washington-area residents ($9,910 for DC residents) at its latest posted rates.
- Soonest start and evening classes: AIM Manassas, with frequent starts and day or evening schedules.
- Best pass rate within reach: Blue Ridge Community College, 98.5%, with a partly online track; hands-on labs are in Weyers Cave.
- Fastest: PIA Hagerstown’s 16-month diploma. AIM takes 21 months; UDC about two years.
- Coming soon: College of Southern Maryland is waiting on FAA approval for a new AAS in Charles County.
Northern Virginia and DC A&P Schools Compared
| School | Credential | Length | Cost | Starts | Schedule | FAA pass rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Northern Virginia Manassas | AMT certificate (78 credits) | 21 months | $52,077 (2023-24, latest published) | Frequent | Day or evening | 80.6% |
| University of the District of Columbia Reagan National Airport, Hangar 2 | AAS (70 credits) or certificate | 4 semesters | $9,910 DC; $15,510 metro area; $24,960 non-resident (2023 rates) | Fall, spring, summer | Not published | 73.3% |
| Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – Hagerstown Hagerstown Regional Airport, MD | AMT diploma (1,900 hours) | 16 months | $29,520–$31,200 tuition + about $2,600 books and tools | Jan 5 and May 4, 2027 | Not published | Not reported separately |
| Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave, VA (about 2 hours) | AAS (68 credits) | 4–5 semesters | $13,586 in-state; $28,349 out-of-state | Fall cohort | On campus or about half online | 98.5% |
*Combined General, Airframe and Powerplant written-test pass rate, August 1, 2023–December 31, 2024, from the FAA’s pass-rate report. AIM Manassas files under a related company name, matched by FAA district office. PIA Hagerstown’s results are not reported separately from PIA’s other campuses.
What A&P School Costs in the DC Area
UDC charges by residency: $117 per credit for DC residents, $197 for residents of the Washington metro area and $332 for others, plus $430 per semester in fees. Its latest posted schedule is from 2023, so confirm current rates. The 70-credit AAS comes to about $9,910, $15,510 or $24,960.
AIM Manassas last published $52,077 in tuition and fees for the AMT certificate (2023-24), $53,127 with books and tools, and accepts federal aid, the GI Bill and military tuition assistance. PIA Hagerstown lists $29,520–$31,200 in 2026-27 tuition plus about $2,600 for books, tools and supplies and about $1,725 for FAA exams.
Blue Ridge charges Virginia residents $199.80 per credit, about $13,586 for the AAS, and the state’s G3 grant can cover tuition for eligible students.
The Schools
Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Northern Virginia (Manassas)
AIM’s Manassas campus at 10640 Davidson Pl is the only A&P school in Northern Virginia. It suits students who want to start soon or keep working, with day and evening classes.
- Program: 21-month Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate (78 credits).
- Outcomes: 80.6% FAA pass rate; 57% graduation and 60% employment for 2021-22 AMT starts, per AIM’s 2025 disclosures.
- Aid: ACCSC accredited; federal aid, Post-9/11 GI Bill and military tuition assistance.
University of the District of Columbia (Reagan National Airport)
UDC’s Aerospace Technology program trains in Hangar 2 at Reagan National, with an FAA testing center on site; general education courses meet on campus. The AAS runs four semesters (about 1,900 clock hours), with fall, spring and summer entry (deadlines May 15, October 15 and April 15). Partners include the GE Aerospace Foundation, which funded new equipment in 2025, and AvDyne AeroServices.
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – Hagerstown (Maryland)
PIA’s branch campus at Hagerstown Regional Airport, about 70 miles from DC, offers a 16-month AMT diploma over four terms. PIA is ACCSC-accredited and was named an ACCSC School of Excellence for 2024-25. Upcoming starts are January 5 and May 4, 2027.
Blue Ridge Community College (Shenandoah Valley)
Blue Ridge is about two hours from Northern Virginia, but its distance-learning track puts about half the coursework online, so students commute only for labs. It posted the best pass rate in the region, 98.5%, and admits one fall cohort a year.
Coming Soon: College of Southern Maryland
CSM plans a 66-credit AAS in Aviation Maintenance Technology with hands-on training at its Hughesville Center for Trades and Energy in Charles County. Maryland approved the program in 2025; classes begin once the FAA approves the curriculum.
Which School Fits You?
- You live in DC or the metro area and cost matters: UDC.
- You want to start soon or work days: AIM Manassas, with frequent starts and evening classes.
- You can travel for labs and want top results: Blue Ridge’s partly online track.
- You want to finish fastest: PIA Hagerstown, 16 months.
- You are a veteran: AIM accepts the Post-9/11 GI Bill and military tuition assistance; ask UDC and PIA about VA approval.
Compare every option in the state on our Virginia aviation mechanic schools page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an A&P school near Dulles or Reagan National?
UDC trains in a hangar at Reagan National. AIM’s Manassas campus is about 20 miles from Dulles.
What is the cheapest A&P program near DC?
UDC, about $9,910 for DC residents and $15,510 for metro-area residents for the AAS at its latest posted rates.
Can I take A&P classes at night near DC?
Yes. AIM Manassas runs evening classes.
Are there A&P schools in Maryland?
Yes: PIA Hagerstown and University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Salisbury, with College of Southern Maryland awaiting FAA approval.