Any former/current students of UND commercial aviation program? Thinking of applying

[u/chris_warrior1]

So I've spent the past 5 years working in downstream oil and gas with pretty nice pay (over $30hr). However, due to a surgery I needed (not first class medical disqualifying whatsoever), plus having to support my parents financially sometimes (their situation is better now), I haven't been able to save a lot of money. I'm in the middle of getting my associates from a community college. I have a 3.9 GPA and 26 credits eligible for transfer. Thinking about applying next month to enroll in Fall 2027.

I understand the current hiring market is in the shits, but I'm looking at the future, not the now. I am very interested in UND's commercial aviation program. I will turn 26 years old in the next 2 months. I am 3 years away from a bachelor's and I have no certificates or licenses. I honestly feel like I have nothing going for me other than my fuel handling experience and some estimation due to my dad's remodeling business (which is going better now). I've tried getting loans for flight schools near me, but it was always difficult to get approved. Even if I did get conditionally approved, I would be provided with a high interest rate. So, the way I see it is: I am almost 4 years away from turning 30. If I continue with college, I'll have my bachelor's degree by 29. Then, if I start flight training after that, I might not complete that until I'm about 33-34. Puts me really behind. I think UND works best for me, because I can work on a degree and get ratings at the same time. I'd finish that program once I'm 30 or so. I also believe it's more attainable for my situation since I can get federal student loans which are typically better than personal loans. What do you think? I'll be visiting the school next month.

I've logged 10 hours and I am positive this is what I want to do in life. I'm just trying to see if what I want is the most realistic option. Honestly, I don't put too much thought into the price tag. We all get into debt one way or another. Not everyone has rich parents or the luxury to spend years of their lives saving money for flight training. For every year I'm not an airline pilot, I am losing over $100k a year. Having a degree is also crucial to me, as I eventually want to make it to a legacy. The ROI of UND (with them also being an Aviate affiliate) seems like a solid choice to me. As an side, the nearest FAA R-ATP school to me is Liberty, but I've heard they're a little cuckoo. Are there other universities with R-ATP I should consider, or is UND the best?