Southwest Airlines
Destination 225° Cadet Pathway
Last checked October 16, 2026. Confirm on the official page before you apply or pay.
Last checked October 16, 2026. Confirm on the official page before you apply or pay.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Who it's for
No higher than a Private Pilot certificate (external applicants); able to get a 1st-class medical; 18+; HS diploma/GED; passport; US work authorization; able to relocate and fund… Show more
No higher than a Private Pilot certificate (external applicants); able to get a 1st-class medical; 18+; HS diploma/GED; passport; US work authorization; able to relocate and fund the program.
Cost and financing
CAE up to $125K (+$17K loans for housing/stipend); SkyWarrior up to $120K (+$30K); US Aviation up to $115K (+$15K). GI Bill accepted at SkyWarrior and US Aviation.
Partner schools
CAE (Mesa, AZ), SkyWarrior (Pensacola, FL), US Aviation (Denton, TX)
Application window
Official page: 'Destination 225° applications are currently closed' and invites you to join the Talent Community. Last window was Sept 10–16, 2026 (deadline Sept 16, 11:59 pm CT)… Show more
Official page: 'Destination 225° applications are currently closed' and invites you to join the Talent Community. Last window was Sept 10–16, 2026 (deadline Sept 16, 11:59 pm CT) per Southwest recruiter posts on LinkedIn.
Notes
Windows are short (about a week). Have your 1st-class medical, 2 professional recommendation letters, resume, and transcripts ready before the next one. Job at Southwest not… Show more
Windows are short (about a week). Have your 1st-class medical, 2 professional recommendation letters, resume, and transcripts ready before the next one. Job at Southwest not guaranteed; ~4 years.
Questions
Is Destination 225° Cadet Pathway accepting applications?
Status at last check (2026-10-16): Closed. Official page: 'Destination 225° applications are currently closed' and invites you to join the Talent Community. Last window was Sept 10–16, 2026 (deadline Sept 16, 11:59 pm CT) per Southwest recruiter posts on LinkedIn.
Who is Destination 225° Cadet Pathway for?
No higher than a Private Pilot certificate (external applicants); able to get a 1st-class medical; 18+; HS diploma/GED; passport; US work authorization; able to relocate and fund the program.
What does Destination 225° Cadet Pathway cost?
CAE up to $125K (+$17K loans for housing/stipend); SkyWarrior up to $120K (+$30K); US Aviation up to $115K (+$15K). GI Bill accepted at SkyWarrior and US Aviation.
When was Destination 225° Cadet Pathway last checked?
2026-10-16. Confirm on the official page before you apply, pay, or turn another path down.