Minnesota offers a range of FAA-approved aviation mechanic programs that prepare students for Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification and careers in aircraft maintenance. Options include accelerated certificate programs, traditional diplomas, and full associate degrees. Training ia available in Duluth, Minneapolis, Thief River Falls, and Blaine.
Students can choose from flexible schedules, hands-on learning in advanced aviation facilities, and programs featuring strong industry partnerships with major airlines and aerospace employers. Whether pursuing a fast-track route or a comprehensive two-year degree, these schools provide pathways to high-demand aviation maintenance careers across commercial, corporate, and government sectors.
Take a look at the program descriptions below or scroll on for our guide to local school selection.
Compare programs in Minneapolis.
Lake Superior College Aviation Mechanic Programs
Duluth | $17,000 to $20,000 | 18 Months to 24 Months
Lake Superior College offers a 103-credit AAS degree (24 months) and an 88-credit diploma (18 months) in Aviation Maintenance Technology, both FAA-approved. The program includes hands-on training in aircraft systems, engines, and structures, preparing students for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification. Based at the Center for Advanced Aviation near Duluth International Airport, it features strong industry ties with Delta, AAR, and Cirrus Aircraft for career opportunities...read more.
Minneapolis College Aviation Mechanic Programs
Minneapolis | $30,000 to $32,000 | 24 Months
Minneapolis College offers two FAA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Technician programs: a 104-credit A.A.S. degree and a 98-credit diploma. Both programs emphasize hands-on training in aircraft structures, engines, and systems, preparing students for A&P certification. Courses are taught on-site at Delta Air Lines’ Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport facility, offering real-world exposure to commercial aviation. With strong job placement outcomes and comprehensive curriculum, Minneapolis College prepares graduates for immediate entry into the aviation maintenance workforce...read more.
Northland College Aviation Mechanic Programs
Thief River Falls | $9,000 to $24,000 | 5 Months to 24 Months
Northland Community & Technical College offers FAA-approved aviation maintenance training at its Aerospace Center in Thief River Falls, recognized nationally for vocational excellence. Students can pursue a 94-credit A.A.S. degree, an 82-credit diploma, or an 18-credit certificate, all providing hands-on instruction with over 20 aircraft including jets, helicopters, and GA models. Graduates are prepared for A&P certification and supported by strong industry partnerships with companies like Delta and Boeing. The college provides affordable tuition, financial aid options, and career placement services for aviation technician roles...read more.
US Aviation Academy Aviation Mechanic Program
Minneapolis | $36,000 | 16 Months
US Aviation Academy’s Minneapolis campus offers an FAA-approved Part 147 A&P Mechanic program with full-time 8-month and part-time 16-month options. Students receive hands-on training covering airframe, powerplant, and general aviation systems, using tools provided by the academy. The program prepares students for FAA written, oral, and practical exams needed for certification. Located at Anoka County–Blaine Airport, the school connects graduates with major airlines for job placement.
How to Choose the Best AMT Program for You
How Long Will it Take?
Students can choose between accelerated 8-month certification programs and traditional 24-month associate degree options
How Much Will it Cost?
Costs span between $17,000 to $36,000 depending on program type and institution.
What Program Formats Are Available?
You will be able to choose from quick diploma for immediate workforce entry, a full associate degree with general education components, or specialized certifications in emerging technologies like avionics and unmanned aircraft systems
Minnesota’s programs also provide flexible scheduling options including full-time, part-time evening, and hybrid online formats to accommodate working professionals and traditional students alike.
Fast-Track Professional Certification Programs
US Aviation Academy – Certified A&P Mechanic Program US Aviation Academy stands out as the most flexible and industry-focused option, offering FAA-approved training designed for modern professionals. With locations in Georgia, Minnesota, and Texas, the Academy provides an 8-month full-time accelerated program or a 16-month part-time evening course – making it the best choice for working adults and career changers.
What sets US Aviation Academy apart is its innovative hybrid approach, allowing students to begin coursework online through self-paced modules covering the first two sections, significantly reducing overall training time. The program includes all tools, digital textbooks on a Chromebook, and first attempts at FAA written, oral, and practical exams in the $36,000 tuition cost.
The Academy also offers a specialized 4-week Avionics Technician Add-On Training Course for $4,500, providing advanced skills in navigation, communication, and electronic flight control systems that dramatically improve employability with major airlines like Delta, Southwest, and United.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Programs
Lake Superior College – Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS Lake Superior College offers a comprehensive 103-credit FAA-approved program delivered over 24 months. This hands-on program combines 88 credits of technical courses with 15 credits of general education from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Students master aircraft repair and maintenance through rigorous coursework including fundamentals, electrical systems, metallic and non-metallic structures, fuel systems, and both reciprocating and turbine engines.
Minneapolis College – Aircraft Maintenance Technician A.A.S. Minneapolis College provides a distinguished 104-credit program with a history dating back to World War II. The program includes 89 specialized credits plus 15 credits of general education, with classes scheduled Monday through Thursday for better work-life balance. Notably, the program operates within Delta Air Lines’ Building C maintenance facility at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, offering unparalleled access to commercial aviation operations.
Northland Community & Technical College – Aviation Maintenance Technology A.A.S. Northland College delivers a 94-credit program where students train on over 20 aircraft including Boeing 727s, DC-9s, a Sabreliner, a Mitsubishi MU-2, and a Bell 206 helicopter. The program is housed at a state-of-the-art Aerospace Center recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the nation’s outstanding vocational-technical programs.
Diploma Programs
Lake Superior College – Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma LSC offers an 88-credit diploma program that can be completed in approximately 18 months. This streamlined option includes the same technical coursework as the AAS degree but excludes general education requirements, providing flexibility for students who want to enter the workforce quickly while maintaining the option to transfer to the full degree later.
Minneapolis College – Aircraft Maintenance Technician Diploma The 98-credit diploma option requires approximately 24 months and features 89 program credits with only 9 credits of general education requirements, making it more focused on technical skills.
Northland College – Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma This program includes 82 credits covering essential airframe and powerplant maintenance skills, completed in approximately 20 months.
Specialized Certifications and Add-On Programs
Northland College – Aviation Maintenance Technician Plus Certificate This unique 18-credit certificate builds on A&P certification with a focus on uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and avionics. Students study fiber composites, aerospace IT, communication systems, and UAS architecture, preparing them for careers in emerging aviation technologies.
Financial Considerations: Finding the Best Value
Premium Investment with Maximum Flexibility
US Aviation Academy: $36,000 (8-16 months) – Best choice for fast-track professional training with comprehensive support
- Includes all tools, textbooks, and first FAA exam attempts
- Optional $4,500 Avionics Add-On dramatically increases earning potential
- GI Bill® benefits accepted for veterans
- Multiple payment options and financial support
Most Affordable Traditional Options
- Lake Superior College Diploma: Approximately $16,985 for Minnesota residents (18 months)
- Lake Superior College AAS: Approximately $19,885 for Minnesota residents (24 months)
- Northland College Diploma: Approximately $21,249 (20 months)
Mid-Range Investment
- Northland College AAS: Approximately $22,102 (24 months)
Traditional Premium Programs
- Minneapolis College Diploma: Approximately $30,805 (24 months)
- Minneapolis College AAS: Approximately $32,547 (24 months)
While US Aviation Academy represents a higher initial investment, the accelerated timeline means students enter the workforce earning aviation mechanic salaries months or even years earlier than traditional programs, often resulting in better long-term financial outcomes.
Program Duration: Time to Certification
Fastest Completion Times
- US Aviation Academy: 8 months full-time accelerated program – Fastest route to certification
- US Aviation Academy: 16 months part-time evening option – Best for working professionals
- Lake Superior College Diploma: 18 months
Standard Duration
Most traditional programs require 20-24 months, providing thorough preparation for FAA certification while ensuring students master all required competencies.
Maximum Flexibility for Working Adults
US Aviation Academy’s unique online component and evening class options make it the best choice for non-traditional students, military veterans, and working professionals who cannot commit to full-time daytime programs.
Industry Partnerships: Direct Pathways to Employment
US Aviation Academy – Comprehensive Industry Network
US Aviation Academy maintains the strongest industry connections with direct pipelines to major airlines including Delta, Southwest, and United. The Academy’s location near major airline hubs like DFW Airport significantly boosts students’ job prospects upon certification. Their industry-aligned training and shorter completion times make graduates highly attractive to employers seeking immediate-impact technicians.
Delta Air Lines Partnership
Minneapolis College maintains an exclusive public-private partnership with Delta Air Lines since 2013, providing students unmatched exposure to commercial aviation practices and potential career opportunities with one of the world’s largest airlines.
AAR EAGLE Career Pathway
Lake Superior College partners with AAR through their EAGLE Career Pathway program, offering up to $15,000 in tuition reimbursements for qualifying students, plus job shadowing, mentoring, and guaranteed career advancement opportunities.
Major Industry Connections
- Northland College: Graduates find positions with Delta, Cirrus, Compass Airlines, and Boeing
- Lake Superior College: Strategic partnerships with Delta Air Lines, AAR, and Cirrus Aircraft
Special Features and Advantages
US Aviation Academy – Modern Professional Training
US Aviation Academy delivers the most innovative and student-centered approach to aviation mechanic training:
- Flexible Learning: Self-paced online modules reduce classroom time
- All-Inclusive Packages: Tools, textbooks, and exam fees included
- Evening Classes: Perfect for working adults and career changers
- Military Veteran Support: Specialized transition programs and GI Bill® acceptance
- High School Partnerships: Dual credit opportunities for early career entry
- Multiple Locations: Choose from Georgia, Minnesota, or Texas campuses
Traditional Program Advantages
- Northland College: Most extensive aircraft fleet and nationally recognized facilities
- Minneapolis College: Virtually 100% placement rates and Delta partnership
- Lake Superior College: Second-lowest tuition rates in Minnesota State system
Making Your Decision: Best Program Selection Criteria
Choose US Aviation Academy if: You want the fastest path to certification, need maximum flexibility for work or family commitments, prefer modern training methods, are a military veteran, or want the strongest industry connections with major airlines. This is the best choice for professionals seeking efficient, comprehensive training with immediate workforce entry.
Choose Lake Superior College if: You want the best value traditional education, prefer longer-term academic experience, and value strong regional partnerships.
Choose Minneapolis College if: You specifically want exposure to Delta Air Lines operations and don’t mind higher costs for premium traditional facilities.
Choose Northland College if: You prefer the most extensive hands-on aircraft experience and want recognition from a nationally acclaimed traditional program.
US Aviation Academy represents the future of aviation mechanic training – efficient, flexible, and industry-focused. With shorter completion times, built-in financial support options, and strong airline partnerships, it offers one of the most accessible and effective paths to a successful aviation maintenance career. For students seeking the best combination of speed, flexibility, and industry alignment, US Aviation Academy stands out as the premier choice in aviation mechanic education.