Recipient of the ACCSC 2024-25 School of Distinction, PIA’s Myrtle Beach Campus is located at the International Technology and Aerospace Park, near South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach International Airport. PIA’s airport location provides an ideal atmosphere for aviation training as well as aircraft accessibility to the school’s facilities.
The 26,000 sq ft facility houses classrooms, a learning resource system with a mobile computer lab and publications library, and shop areas for aircraft propulsion systems, electricity, sheet metal, hydraulics, instruments & controls, composite materials, non-destructive testing, and painting.
Campus Quick Facts
Start Dates/Times
Start Dates:
Fall 2026 (Sept. 1)
Spring 2027 (Jan. 5)
Summer 2027 (May 4)
Fall 2027 (Sept. 7)
Spring 2028 (Jan. 4)
Summer 2028 (May 2)
Student to Faculty
15 students per 1 instructor*
*Ratio’s vary based on starting cohort, however typically do not exceed 25:1 in lab/shop and 50:1 in theory.
Graduate Placement
Statistics based on students that graduated in August 2023 through April 2024 as reported to ACCSC.
Programs Available
Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program
- 16 Month – Diploma/Certificate
- 4 Terms – 1900 Clock Hours
The AMT program prepares students for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certification Exams.
Tuition & Fees
*The branch campuses are converting from clock hour programs to standard semester credits. Students who start a new program AFTER July 1, 2026 should reference “CREDIT HOUR” Tuition & Fees tab. Students who started their program BEFORE July 1, 2026 should reference the “CLOCK HOUR” Tuition & Fees tab.
| Tuition (2026-2027) CREDIT HOUR PROGRAM (Students Starting AFTER July 1, 2026) | |
|---|---|
| Total AMT Program (4 Semesters), 65 Credits | $31,200 |
| Flat Term Rate (15-18 credits) | $7,800 |
| Per Credit Rate | $520 |
| *Effective September 1, 2026 | |
| Books, Tools, & Supplies | |
|---|---|
| The charges for books, tools and supplies are approximate charges and are subject to sales tax where applicable. Prices may change without notice. | |
| Aviation Maintenance Technology Program (AMT) | $2,607 |
| Other Fees | |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee This fee must accompany the enrollment application at the time that the candidate makes formal registration. | $125 |
| Uniform Fee One-time fee when a student begins training providing them a set of five (5) tops and a sweatshirt. | $100 |
| Technology Fee The revenue generated by this fee is dedicated for the upgrading, expansion, and support of our technology resources, including the use of AMPower, an AI-assisted technology designed to enhance the quality and experience. | $275/Term |
| Materials Fee Includes consumable and other specialty items required for various projects and assignments throughout the program. | $100/Term |
| FAA Airframe & Powerplant Examination Fees Graduates of the Aviation Maintenance Technician Programs are eligible to test for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant certification. There are nine (9) examinations (3 oral, 3 practical, and 3 written) which the applicant must pass to achieve FAA A&P certification. (Includes 3 Written @ $175/ea. and 3 Oral & Practical @ $400/ea.) | $1,725 |
| Tuition (2025-2026) – CLOCK HOUR PROGRAM ONLY (Students who Started BEFORE July 1, 2026) | |
|---|---|
| Total AMT Program (4 Semesters), 1900 hours | $28,440 |
| Tuition Per Semester | $7,110 |
| *Effective August 2024 | |
| Books, Tools, & Supplies | |
|---|---|
| The charges for books, tools and supplies are approximate charges and are subject to sales tax where applicable. Prices may change without notice. | |
| Aviation Maintenance Technology Program (AMT) | $2,573 |
| Other Fees | |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee This fee must accompany the enrollment application at the time that the candidate makes formal registration. | $150 |
| Uniform Fee One-time fee when a student begins training providing them a set of five (5) tops and a sweatshirt. | $100 |
| Technology Fee The revenue generated by this fee is dedicated for the upgrading, expansion, and support of our technology resources. | $120/Term |
| Materials Fee Includes consumable and other specialty items required for various projects and assignments throughout the program. | $80/Term |
| FAA Airframe & Powerplant Examination Fees Graduates of the Aviation Maintenance Technician Programs are eligible to test for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant certification. There are nine (9) examinations (3 oral, 3 practical, and 3 written) which the applicant must pass to achieve FAA A&P certification. (Includes 3 Written @ $175/ea. and 3 Oral & Practical @ $400/ea.) | $1,725 |
Cost of Attendance (COA)
The PIA Financial Aid office establishes standard student budgets each year as a basis for awarding financial aid funds. These budgets are based on actual tuition charges, national average living allowances calculated by The College Board, and include direct and indirect costs for the academic year.
The following cost of attendance example is based on the following assumptions:
- All tuition charges are for full time students.
- Independent – a student who is consider independent based on FAFSA
- Dependent Off Campus – a student that lives in an apartment or their own home
- Dependent Commuter – a student that resides at home with parents/relatives
Financial Aid
As you prepare for your education, it’s important to know you’re not alone in navigating your financial plan.
Here at PIA, we believe that a high-quality education should be delivered with transparency, including understanding how your investment measures with your earning potential. A stable financial plan should have no surprises, and that’s exactly what you can expect when you meet with the PIA Financial Aid Office.
Housing for Students
PIA provides a list of properties that have been used by PIA students in the past as well as several new listings. This list is not a recommendation or guarantee by PIA. In addition, the Internet can also be a powerful tool when searching on one’s own. All arrangements are between the student and the property manager or owner. PIA IS NOT INVOLVED IN THESE AGREEMENTS IN ANY MANNER.
Campus Director
“An education is something that no one can ever take away from you. What our students learn at PIA, whether in the classroom or in the shop, will prepare them for an exciting career in aviation.”
– Michael Basara
Approvals and Accreditation
- Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Federal Aviation Administration approval 3PIT597K
- Approved by the U.S. Department of Education
- Licensed by the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education (che.sc.gov)
- Military-Friendly School