Financial Aid
Paying for Your Aviation Education Starts with a Plan
If you’re thinking about a future in aviation, it’s natural to ask:
How will I afford it? Do I qualify for financial aid?
The good news is—you don’t have to figure that out on your own. As you take the next step toward applying, you may be eligible for financial aid to help make your education more affordable. Every student’s situation is different, and you’ll have support understanding what options are available and what works best for you.
Start your application to see what you may qualify for:
Choose Your Next Step
Whether you're just starting to explore aviation or you're ready to begin your journey at California Aeronautical University, we have a path for you. Select the option that best fits where you are in your decision process:
Apply Online
Start your application to California Aeronautical University. Applying is the first step in the admissions process. Once submitted, you’ll receive instructions for completing the remaining requirements.
Schedule Admissions Meeting
Admissions representatives are available to answer questions, clarify requirements, and provide guidance at any point in the process. Meetings are optional and not required prior to applying.
Attend Open House
Visit a CAU campus, tour facilities, and see what student life looks like firsthand. Open Houses are scheduled on Saturdays at each of our four locations, every other month.
Request Information
Receive program details, timelines, and general information to help you determine whether CAU aligns with your interests.
Attend Aspiring Pilot Seminar
Learn about aviation careers, training pathways, and how to compare programs before deciding what’s right for you.
Download Pilot Guide
This free, student‑friendly guide outlines what it takes to go from your first discovery flight to launching a career in aviation. If you’re exploring the path to becoming a pilot and want a clear overview before taking next steps, this is a great place to begin..
You May Qualify for Financial Aid If You:
- Have a high school diploma or GED*
- Enroll as a regular student in an eligible program
- Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Are not in default of a student loan or owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant
* Or a passing score on an independently administrated examination approved by the Department of Education.
Now is the Perfect Time To Apply to CAU
Grants
Grants can be considered as free financial aid money from the government that students do not have to pay back.
Federal Pell Grants
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are only awarded to undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree. CAU requires students to apply for the Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). An ISIR (Institutional Student Information Record) or SAR (Student Aid Report) is generated, and the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is calculated on the report which indicates whether a student is eligible for a Pell Grant.Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need – i.e., students with the lowest EFC (Expected Family Contribution). FSEOG is available only to students who qualify for the Pell Grant.Loans
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If a student qualifies for this loan, the Federal government pays the interest for the entire time the student is in school and for an additional six months after the last date of attendance.Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. If a student qualifies for this loan, this loan accrues interest from the date the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS)
The FPLUS loan allows parents of students who are dependent by federal definition to borrow for educational costs. To be eligible to receive the FPLUS loan, a parent will be required to pass a credit check. If the parent does not pass the credit check, the student can receive the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Repayment usually begins within 60 days after the final loan is issued with the interest beginning to accrue at the time of the first disbursement.Other Aid Programs
Students attending California Aeronautical University may, if eligible, receive funds to meet educational costs from the Veterans Education Benefits, Employee Tuition Reimbursement, and other organizations and agencies providing scholarships and grant
Resources for Active Military, Veterans and Families
We are grateful to you and your family members for your service to our country. Let us help you take the next step toward your educational and career goals.
California Aeronautical University is prepared to help you use your military education benefits for college. Qualified students may use their Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits toward educational expenses at CAU. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to $30,908.34 in tuition and fees during the VA benefit year (August 1–July 31), plus up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies and a monthly housing allowance for eligible students. This entitlement may also be transferred to eligible spouses or dependents.
Additionally, California Aeronautical University proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Through this program, the University contributes up to $12,000 toward eligible tuition and fee expenses after a student has reached the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. The Department of Veterans Affairs matches the University's contribution dollar-for-dollar, providing up to $24,000 in additional funding for eligible students. Eligible students must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Depending on the program and VA eligibility level, some students may have remaining educational costs after GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits are applied.
When you request information, California Aeronautical University can provide financial aid information about your unique situation and help guide you through the process.
Federal Work-Study
Work-study allows undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to earn money for some of their educational expenses by working for a nonprofit agency. Students will be paid at least the current minimum wage, but possibly higher, depending on the type of work and skills required. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for Work-study funds. The Office of Graduate Services will help eligible students locate jobs.Monthly Payment Plans
Independent students or parents of dependent students who do not wish to apply for educational loans or who do not qualify for financial assistance may make monthly tuition payments to finance the student’s educational cost. These arrangements are to be made with the Office of Financial Services.Tuition Reduction Programs
CAU’s admissions associates are extremely knowledgeable about the aviation Tuition Reduction Program available in California and will work with you to determine your eligibility. Contact our Admissions Department for more information about aviation Tuition Reduction Programs.
Repayment Options
ECMC
We’ve hired ECMC Solutions, a non-profit organization to help you navigate your federal student loans! With a mission of student success, ECMC Solutions provides FREE one on one counseling:
- Discuss options for manageable repayment
- Learn important facts about forbearance and deferment
- Access your balance and know your servicer
- Discover best practices to manage your loans
- Guidance if you fall behind on payments or are nearing default
- Financial literacy resources
- ECMC Promise & Safety
- ECMC Counselors will always introduce themselves by name and let you know they are calling on our behalf. Solutions counselors call only from U.S. area codes such as (651) and (612). ECMC Counselors will ask you to confirm your identity to confirm we are speaking with you before sharing any information.
We provide ECMC Solutions services to you free of charge. Counselors are able to help you through ECMC Solutions Live Chat, email, or by phone by calling 877-331-3262.
California Aeronautical University is committed to helping each and every student accomplish their aviation dreams. Our financial aid coordinators are here to help you determine the best options for you, regardless of your situation. If you have questions about your financial aid or repayment plan options through ECMC Solutions, please reach out to our coordinators today. The sky is the limit when it comes to your aviation dreams!
Questions?
Do you have questions about your repayment options? Contact our team, or contact ECMC Solutions directly and we can help you will all your needs.
GET STARTED
Ready to get started? Schedule an admissions meeting (opens in a new window) as the first step in the admissions process. During the meeting, you'll learn about CAU's programs, including the cost. From there, you'll meet one-on-one with a member of CAU's financial services team who can help identify the best financial plan for your unique circumstances.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.