Executive MBA in Aviation

Tuition

The tuition for the 18-month EMBA in Aviation degree is $125,000, all inclusive. Limited scholarships still available.

Tuition is billed in eight equal payments (one for each term) as you progress through the program and includes all costs (other than transportation to and from class):

• All classes – in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous
• Accommodation during in-person classes at DEN (The Westin)
• All books and supplemental materials (FedExed directly)
• 3-day orientation, off-site
• 4 mini-residencies (national/international)
• Career and alumni services
• Food, drinks, and snacks when on site for class.

A $1,500 deposit is due on being accepted into the program. This deposit is non-refundable, but is a credit that is applied against your first term’s tuition.

Employer support 

The valuable skills you will gain in the program will immediately benefit your organization, colleagues, and yourself as you apply your knowledge to business challenges. As such, many employers invest in their employees' business education and offer full or partial reimbursement. Contact your company’s human resources department to inquire about tuition support.  

Veterans benefits 

The University of Colorado Denver is committed to providing veterans and service members with a high-quality education tailored to your distinct interests. The Executive MBA in Aviation program proudly supports the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This distinction allows veterans and service members to maximize their tuition benefit depending on length of service. In some cases, the VA may not cover all the costs associated with the EMBAA program. Our administrative team is available to discuss VA benefits with applicants. Additionally, applicants may contact Veteran & Military Student Services at (303) 315-7300 or by email at VMSS@ucdenver.edu to find out more details about their VA benefits.

Federal Stafford loan 

EMBAA students can help fund their education through student loans. All federal loans require the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens and have not defaulted on a previous student loan. For information please visit: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action.

Hispanic-Serving Institution designation

CU Denver was the first research university in Colorado to attain the status of Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2021-2022 and remains so today. More information is available at this link.

A new cohort begins each January. Students are admitted to the cohort as applications are received. Our goal is to make the application process as streamlined as possible:

• There is no application fee or standardized test score (e.g., GMAT) required.
• Due to the program’s competitive nature and rolling admissions policy, we strongly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.
• After submitting your completed application, decisions are delivered within a week.
• Scholarships are awarded at the time an offer is made.

Admission requirements  

The CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation is designed for professionals who want to move into senior roles — whether that's managing complex operations, leading innovation, or influencing strategy across the aviation ecosystem. As such, we seek candidates who are currently in management positions with a demonstrated record of achievement and the potential for further promotion. In addition, the ideal candidate is: ambitious, collaborative, and inquisitive. As we curate the cohort and Learning Community, we seek candidates who enrich the educational experience for all cohort members.

All candidates will meet with multiple members of the Executive MBA in Aviation team throughout the application process. These ongoing conversations help us assess your motivation for pursuing an EMBAA, your academic and professional experience, and your future plans.

All interested applicants are encouraged to contact our head of recruiting, Vincent Pre, to discuss your future with the program.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis and will admit students until the cohort fills.

For questions about any aspect of the application process or the program, please contact Vincent Pre or schedule a one-on-one meeting.

Networking

Students in each cohort of the CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation program are experienced professionals across the aviation ecosystem: airports, airlines, municipalities, supply chain partners, and trade unions. The result of this diversity is to create networking opportunities with fellow students, alumni of the program, faculty from across the country (from both universities and industry), and various classroom guest speakers -- all of whom enhance the value of your degree.

Additional resources

• Executive coaching: We offer a customized package of coaching services.
• ​Prep course: Prior to orientation, we offer access to the MBA Math online program to help prepare you for the quantitative courses in the curriculum.