Saint Francis University, a Catholic university in Loretto, earned FAA Part 147 approval in 2024 and trains aviation mechanics at its Aviation Education Center at John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport.
Verified October 4, 2026 against Saint Francis University’s AMT program page and FAA certification announcement. Compare all Pennsylvania A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 21 months, 5 semesters
- Cost: $55,415 all-in incl. toolkit and examiner fees ($40,975 tuition + fees)
- Location: Johnstown, PA (John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
Saint Francis suits students in western and central Pennsylvania who want a small, university-based program with everything priced in: its $55,415 figure includes a $7,975 professional toolkit, a laptop, books and FAA examiner fees. Tuition and fees alone are about $40,975. The program graduated its first class in May 2026, so it has no FAA pass-rate history yet.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 certificated (May 2024) |
| Credential | Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate, 55 credits (General, Airframe, Powerplant) |
| Length | 5 semesters, 21 months, full-time Monday–Friday |
| Starts | August and January cohorts (up to 25 students) |
| Cost | $55,415 all-in: $39,875 tuition ($725 per credit), $4,100 semester fees and books, $9,640 toolkit, laptop and uniforms, $1,800 FAA examiner fees |
| Training site | Aviation Education Center, Johnstown-Cambria County Airport |
| FAA pass rate | Not yet in FAA data (first graduates May 2026) |
| Verified | October 4, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
Saint Francis’s AMT certificate runs five semesters, Monday through Friday. Graduates can continue to an online bachelor’s in Aviation Maintenance Management, which awards 55 credits for the certificate.
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (55 credits × $725) | $39,875 |
| Technology, lab, books and exam fees ($820 × 5 semesters) | $4,100 |
| Toolkit | $7,975 |
| Laptop and uniforms | $1,665 |
| FAA examiner (oral and practical) fees | $1,800 |
| Total | $55,415 |
Saint Francis does not label the academic year for these figures; confirm with admissions.
What You Will Actually Pay
The $55,415 total is billed by semester, with the toolkit and laptop in the first semester ($19,035). Tuition and fees alone come to about $40,975. Students keep the toolkit. Pennsylvania residents may qualify for the PA State Grant.
How It Compares in Pennsylvania
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Francis University (Johnstown) | AMT certificate (55 credits) | 21 months | $40,975 ($55,415 all-in) | New |
| Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics | AST degree (77 credits) | 20 months | $46,350 | 92.1% |
| Penn College (Williamsport) | Certificate (71 credits) | 4 semesters | About $45,100 (PA residents, plus lab fees) | 86.5% |
| Johnson College (Scranton) | AAS (72 credits) | 2 years | $45,800 | Too few tests |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Philadelphia) | AMT certificate (78 credits) | 21 months | $52,077 (2023-24) | 73.4% |
Saint Francis is the only A&P program in the Johnstown–Altoona area. See all Pennsylvania A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Francis’s aviation program FAA-approved?
Yes. It received FAA Part 147 certification in May 2024. Its first class graduated in May 2026, so it is not yet in FAA pass-rate data.
What does the $55,415 include?
Tuition, fees, books, a $7,975 toolkit you keep, a laptop, uniforms and $1,800 in FAA examiner fees.
When are the starts?
Cohorts of up to 25 begin in August and January.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Pennsylvania
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) - Philadelphia
- Johnson College - Scranton
- Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) - Williamsport
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - Pittsburgh (West Mifflin)