March 25, 2025
SIU School of Aviation gets high national marks for management, flight program
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Aviation continues to earn national attention.
The program was recently ranked No. 4 among the best schools for students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aviation/airway management and operations by College Factual, which looks at the university’s overall Best Colleges ranking, along with areas that include major focus, demand for attending the school to pursue a bachelor’s degree, allocation of educational resources and accreditation. The aviation program is also among 10 highlighted universities by The Wright Experience for “Best Aviation Colleges for Pilot Training” in the nation for 2025.
SIU Aviation comprises aviation flight, aviation management and aviation technologies.
Chien-Tsung Lu, director and professor in the School of Aviation, said the organizations examined multiple factors, including employment after graduation.
“We are proud to be recognized as one of the top aviation programs in the United States. That stemmed from the unwavering commitment, dedication and collective efforts of the School of Aviation,” Lu said. “This achievement demonstrates the synergy and collaboration among our faculty, staff, upper administration and engaged industry advisory board members, all of whom play a pivotal role in shaping the sound recognition of our three aviation programs.”
Robert D. Morgan, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, noted the honors are important in showing prospective students “that we truly are one of the premier aviation programs in the country.”
“We have an incredibly talented and dedicated team of faculty and staff that foster student success, and these recognitions validate our efforts to provide the highest quality aviation education,” he said. “At SIU, you will find a comprehensive and foundation-rich curriculum with state-of-the-art aviation technology to prepare students as leaders in the future of the aviation enterprise.”
The Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook for 2024-2043 projects over the next 20 years the need for 2.3 million new commercial aviation industry personnel, including 674,000 pilots, 716,000 maintenance technicians and 980,000 cabin crew members, as worldwide fleets are expected to nearly double.
(Editor’s note: Lu’s first name is pronounced “Jane-Zone.”)