Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation trains maintenance technicians at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, the only Michigan public university with an A&P program.
Verified October 5, 2026 against WMU’s College of Aviation pages, 2026-27 cost of attendance, aviation lab fees and FAA pass-rate data. Compare all Michigan A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: About 2 years to A&P; 4 years for the BS
- Cost: About $37,000 to A&P eligibility; $70,200 for the BS (Michigan resident, 2026-27)
- Location: Battle Creek, MI (W.K. Kellogg Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
WMU suits students who want a bachelor’s degree alongside the A&P: a 93.2% FAA pass rate, A&P eligibility after about two years and partners such as Delta, United, FedEx and Duncan Aviation. It costs more than Lansing CC, about $37,000 to A&P eligibility for Michigan residents, and the program is in Battle Creek, not on WMU’s Kalamazoo campus.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 school (certificate JX8T258Q) |
| Credential | BS Aviation Technical Operations; A&P eligible after about two years |
| Location | College of Aviation, W.K. Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek (some science courses in Kalamazoo) |
| Cost (2026-27) | $8,226 per semester flat for Michigan residents ($10,477 nonresident) + $70 fees; $3,799 aviation lab fees |
| Estimated total | About $37,000 to A&P eligibility; about $70,200 for the BS (resident) |
| Aid | Michigan Achievement Scholarship (up to $5,500 a year), federal aid |
| FAA pass rate | 93.2% (68 of 73 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Partners | Delta, United, FedEx, Duncan Aviation, AAR, Stryker |
| Verified | October 5, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
WMU’s Aviation Technical Operations degree combines A&P training with coursework in maintenance management. Its training fleet includes a Boeing 727.
| Cost item | Michigan resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, 4 semesters | $33,184 | $42,188 |
| Aviation lab fees | $3,799 | $3,799 |
| To A&P eligibility | About $37,000 | About $46,000 |
| Full BS (8 semesters + labs) | About $70,200 | About $88,200 |
Our estimates from WMU’s 2026-27 flat semester rates and 2025-26 aviation lab fees; tools are bought in the first week and are extra.
What You Will Actually Pay
WMU charges a flat $8,226 per semester for Michigan residents taking 12–15 credits in 2026-27, plus $70 in fees; nonresidents pay $10,477. The College of Aviation adds lab fees of $3,799 across its maintenance labs. Recent Michigan high school graduates may qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, up to $5,500 a year.
Industry connections
WMU lists Delta, United, FedEx, Duncan Aviation, AAR and Stryker among its Tech Ops partners, and Duncan Aviation’s large business-jet repair center is at the same Battle Creek airport.
How It Compares in Michigan
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan University (Battle Creek) | BS; A&P after year 2 | 2 years to A&P | About $37,000 to A&P (resident) | 93.2% |
| Lansing Community College (Mason) | A&P sequence (94 credits) | 24 months | About $27,700 in-district; $43,500 out-of-district | 86.6% |
| School of Missionary Aviation Technology (Ionia) | AMT program | 12 months | About $36,350 incl. tools and FAA exams (2025-26) | 94.6% |
| Universal Technical Institute (Canton) | A&P certificate | 20 months | $52,999 incl. books | 78.0% |
| Legacy Aviation Learning Center (Traverse City) | A&P program | 48 weeks | $42,350 incl. tools and FAA exams | New (2023) |
| Andrews University (Berrien Springs) | AMT certificate | 4 semesters | About $28,980 non-credit incl. tools | Too few tests |
WMU has one of Michigan’s best pass rates. See all Michigan A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WMU’s aviation maintenance program in Kalamazoo?
No. It is taught at the College of Aviation at W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek; some science courses are on the Kalamazoo campus.
When can I take the A&P exams?
After about two years. WMU graduates passed 68 of 73 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
How much does it cost?
About $37,000 to A&P eligibility and $70,200 for the full bachelor’s degree for Michigan residents at 2026-27 rates.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Michigan
- Andrews University - Berrien Springs
- Lansing Community College - Mason
- Legacy Aviation Learning Center - Traverse City
- School of Missionary Aviation Technology - Ionia
- Universal Technical Institute - Canton