Mikael,
I’m in a similar position you are, but have spent the last 6 months researching flight schools.
Here is what I’ve learned. The 3 part 141 schools(universities/colleges) with aviation programs will cost me a minimum of $113,000.00 up to $146,000.00 over the course of a minimum of 6 semesters, to get all the licenses, certification, and ratings that ATP is offering in their 9 month zero time to instructor program. Not to mention one of the university’s told me just to go to ATP, and get all my certs, and licensing and all that, and then come back to them and I could just pay for the credits for their courses and then finish 2 more years of online classes and get my 4 year bachelors degree. I hope the young lady doesn’t lose her job, but she was the most honest admissions counselor I spoke with.
Now the private instructors I spoke with all refused to give me an estimate on cost, and time, but doing the rudimentary math based on their per/hr. rates I would be finishing all my certs and such with a bill exceeding $82,000.00, if I limited my ground school time to 5 hrs a week. But it would take me 13 months at the minimum, based off of their availability.
I did not look at any other part 61 schools after the 2 I looked up had quotes higher than ATP’s. Note, all these were located in the Salt Lake City or surrounding area. The East coast will obviously have more options and there for different numbers. But for the price, I haven’t found anything less expensive, faster paced, and more prepared for the training I will enquire at the regional airlines. Yes, I know that acquiring the knowledge and skills will fall squarely on my shoulders, but there will be support in abundance (I trust.) Plus when I am the one flying someday, I don’t want to look around and say, “what do I do?” When there’s a problem. I want my passengers to know that I got this. And that confidence comes from a true commitment. One I think ATP requires to be successful.
Don’t know if that helped, but I hope it does. Now I have to get ready for work, where I’m contractually obligated till August of 2018, and then ATP is where I will take my focus. Thanks to all the mentors, students, and everyone else asking questions that I’ve wanted answers to, and questions I never knew I needed answers to. Best wishes to you all and your families.
Daniel