PIA Campuses Recognized as ACCSC Schools of Excellence

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics' (PIA) School for Aviation Maintenance announces that all four of its campuses across the United States have now been recognized by the Accrediting Commission on Career Schools and Colleges as ACCSC Schools of Excellence.

PIA Youngstown was the first of PIA’s campuses to receive the honor in 2022-23, followed by PIA Pittsburgh (2023-24), and PIA Myrtle Beach and PIA Hagerstown (2024-25).

“At PIA, we are committed to delivering high-quality, industry-aligned training that prepares graduates for careers in aviation maintenance and supports the long-term safety of our nation’s aircraft,” says Suzanne Markle, president and CEO of PIA.  

“Given the school’s history of outstanding performance, the Commission hopes that Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics will continue to serve students at this exceptionally high level, creating a quality pathway for student success and achievement,” says Michale S. McComis, Ed.D, executive director of ACCSC.

PIA grads are in high demand, with employment rates over 90%. Starting salaries for PIA alumni are also on the rise, with new grads typically earning between $52,832 and $64,480 in their first aviation maintenance and avionics industry jobs. 

Due to a wave of upcoming retirements by older aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) nationwide, an estimated 123,000 new mechanics and avionics specialists will need to join the field over the next 20 years in order to meet the industry’s growing needs.

The average annual salary of $79,140 for AMTs is up from last year’s $75,400 average. With about 13,000 job openings for aviation maintenance and avionics positions expected annually over the next decade, aspiring technicians can enter this rewarding career field while incurring significantly less student-loan debt than a traditional four-year college.

For more information, visit pia.edu.