Should I drop out of school
I’m a 20 year old male going into my third year of college. I’m currently majoring in aviation.
I was originally interested in ATC, but didn’t pursue it earlier because my father wasn’t supportive at the time, I was in my first year of college and the FAA wasn’t hiring. When FAA hiring opened in April 2026, I applied. I passed the ATSA and am still in the hiring process. If everything goes well, I expect an academy date between November and January.
For context, my grandmother is paying for my college, and apartment using a mix of college funds and inheritance. I’m now seriously considering leaving college to focus on ATC instead of finishing my degree. I already have my commercial pilot certificate, so I could work as a pilot, but I know building hours and reaching a stable, higher-paying flying job would take a long time. ATC feels like a more direct and stable career path if I make it through training.
My grandmother isn’t the most supportive she thinks I may be rushing the decision and looking too far ahead. I understand her concern. My main issue is that I don’t see the value in finishing a degree if I have the opportunity to pursue a career I want to be in. If you were in my position, when would you drop out college?