Southern Illinois University Carbondale trains aviation technicians at the Transportation Education Center at Southern Illinois Airport, between Carbondale and Murphysboro. It is the only Illinois public university with an A&P program, and its fleet runs from piston singles to a Boeing 737, a Gulfstream III and Bell helicopters.
Verified October 3, 2026 against SIU’s 2026-27 catalog and Fall 2026 tuition tables. Compare all Illinois A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 4 semesters (A&P certificates); 4 years (BS)
- Cost: $36,944 (A&P certificates, Fall 2026; same for U.S. out-of-state)
- Location: Carbondale, IL (Southern Illinois Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
SIU is the Illinois pick for students who want a university A&P with a clear path to a bachelor’s degree. U.S. students from any state pay the in-state rate, which makes it unusually good value for out-of-state students. It costs more than Illinois community colleges, and Carbondale is about five hours from Chicago.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 certificated school (certificate BNZT547C) |
| Full A&P credential | Airframe and Powerplant certificates, 64 credits |
| Other credentials | Airframe-only (42 credits) or Powerplant-only (41); BS Aviation Technologies (120 credits) |
| BS specializations | Advanced Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Electronics, Helicopter Maintenance, Aviation Maintenance Management (online) |
| Length | 4 semesters (18/20/14/12 credits) |
| Cost (Fall 2026) | $36,944 for both certificates, same for U.S. out-of-state students; BS about $67,366 plus course fees |
| Tools | $500–$1,000 |
| FAA pass rate | 96.3% (78 of 81 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Verified | October 3, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
SIU’s 2026-27 catalog lays out the Airframe and Powerplant certificates in four semesters; the program page describes five. There is no associate degree.
| Program | Credits | Tuition + fees (Fall 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe + Powerplant certificates | 64 | $36,944 |
| Airframe certificate only | 42 | About $20,381 + semester fees |
| Powerplant certificate only | 41 | About $19,895 + semester fees |
| BS Aviation Technologies | 120 | About $67,366 + course fees |
Courses in the FAA sequence require a minimum score of 70%. A&P holders from other schools can transfer into the BS.
What You Will Actually Pay
SIU’s Fall 2026 guaranteed rate is $327.75 per credit in tuition plus $157.50 per credit in general and textbook fees, and $1,142 per semester in insurance and grant fees. Over four semesters that is $35,624, plus $1,320 in aviation course fees, for $36,944. Students with their own health insurance can waive part of the semester fee, which would bring the total to about $32,388. U.S. students from other states pay the same rate.
Bachelor’s pathway
The BS Aviation Technologies adds specializations in advanced aircraft maintenance, avionics, helicopter maintenance (with Bell helicopters) and an online aviation maintenance management track for working technicians. SIU has transfer agreements with community colleges including Southwestern Illinois College and Rock Valley College.
How It Compares in Illinois
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) | Airframe + Powerplant certificates (64 credits) | 4 semesters | $36,944 | 96.3% |
| Southwestern Illinois College (Granite City) | A&P certificate (60 credits) | 50 weeks–2 years | $9,240 + course fees | 87.9% |
| Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield) | Airframe + Powerplant certificates (66 credits) | 18 months | $20,394 | 90.3% |
| Lewis University (Romeoville) | AMT certificate (61 credits) | 15–21 months | $74,298–$84,800 | 95.5% |
| Rock Valley College (Rockford) | Certificate (76 credits) | 6 terms, about 22 months | About $12,856 | 95.0% |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Chicago) | AMT certificate (78 credits) | 21 months | $52,077 (2023-24) | 76.6% |
SIU posts the highest FAA pass rate in Illinois. See all Illinois A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SIU Carbondale’s aviation program FAA-approved?
Yes. It operates FAA Part 147 school BNZT547C; graduates passed 78 of 81 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
Do out-of-state students pay more?
No. U.S. students from any state pay the in-state rate: $36,944 for the A&P certificates at Fall 2026 rates.
Can I earn a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. The 120-credit BS Aviation Technologies builds on the A&P certificates.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Illinois
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) - Chicago
- City Colleges of Chicago - Chicago
- Lewis University - Romeoville
- Lincoln Land Community College - Springfield
- Rock Valley College - Rockford
- Southwestern Illinois College - Granite City