Southern Utah University trains aviation mechanics at Cedar City Regional Airport, about three and a half hours south of Salt Lake City, and is one of the few A&P schools that includes helicopter maintenance in its standard program.
Verified October 5, 2026 against SUU’s aviation maintenance pages, Fall 2026 lab fees, 2026-27 tuition and FAA pass-rate data. Compare all Utah A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 5 semesters (about 18 months)
- Cost: About $41,700 Utah resident (tuition $3,633.50/semester + $23,500 lab fees, 2026-27); tools supplied
- Location: Cedar City, UT (Cedar City Regional Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
SUU costs more than Utah’s other public programs, about $41,700 for Utah residents, because of $23,500 in aviation lab fees, but that includes tools, and the program finishes in about 18 months with helicopter training built in. Its 92.2% FAA pass rate and SkyWest partnership are strong. Applicants need an FAA medical certificate, an unusual requirement for a mechanic program.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 school (certificate 5UHT644K) |
| Credential | AAS with A&P eligibility; optional avionics certificate |
| Length | Five consecutive semesters, about 18 months |
| Capacity | 50 spots per semester |
| Admission | 2.0 GPA; SUU and aviation applications, transcripts, FAFSA and an FAA medical certificate |
| Cost (2026-27) | Tuition $3,633.50 per semester resident ($11,097.50 nonresident) + $23,500 lab fees across five semesters |
| Tools | Supplied by SUU |
| Specialty | Helicopter maintenance included at no extra cost |
| FAA pass rate | 92.2% (47 of 51 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Industry partner | SkyWest AMT Pathway |
| Verified | October 5, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
SUU’s aviation maintenance program covers airplanes and helicopters and leads to an associate degree and A&P eligibility in five semesters.
| Residency | Tuition and fees (5 semesters) | With lab fees |
|---|---|---|
| Utah resident | $18,168 | About $41,700 |
| WUE (western states) | About $26,400 | About $49,900 |
| Nonresident | $55,488 | About $79,000 |
Lab fees by semester: $4,100, $6,000, $5,900, $3,300 and $4,200 (Fall 2026). WUE figures are our estimate at 150% of resident tuition. Books add a few hundred dollars.
What You Will Actually Pay
SUU charges $3,633.50 per semester in tuition and fees for Utah residents in 2026-27, and its aviation lab fees total $23,500 over the five semesters, covering tools. Students from other western states with a 2.50–3.69 GPA can apply for WUE. SkyWest offers scholarships with a three-year work commitment.
Admission
Applicants need at least a 2.0 GPA and submit transcripts, a FAFSA and an FAA medical certificate, per SUU’s application steps. The program has 50 spots per semester.
How It Compares in Utah
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Utah University (Cedar City) | AAS + A&P, helicopter training | 5 semesters (about 18 months) | About $41,700 resident incl. $23,500 lab fees; tools supplied | 92.2% |
| Salt Lake Community College (Salt Lake City) | AAS | About 5 semesters | About $11,600 resident tuition and fees + course fees and tools | 89.3% |
| Utah State University (Logan or Price) | AAS (2,030 hours) | 2 years | About $18,100 Logan / $10,100 Price resident + tools | 100% (25 tests) |
| Universal Technical Institute (West Jordan) | AOS degree (1,950 hours) | 78 weeks | $51,475 incl. books | Opens 2027, pending FAA approval |
SUU is Utah’s only program with helicopter maintenance built in. See all Utah A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SUU include helicopter training?
Yes. Helicopter maintenance is part of the standard program at no extra cost.
How much does SUU’s A&P program cost?
About $41,700 for Utah residents at 2026-27 rates, including $23,500 in lab fees that cover tools.
Is SUU FAA-approved?
Yes. SUU operates FAA Part 147 school 5UHT644K; graduates passed 47 of 51 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Utah
- Salt Lake Community College - Salt Lake City
- Universal Technical Institute - Salt Lake City (West Jordan)
- Utah State University - Logan