Hi Allen!
For me, it would be a no-brainer - it's just an 8 hour drive (490 miles) and passes through some really beautiful parts of your state. The convenience of having a car there for short local trips in and around Provo, ability to bring your own tools to the class, and having complete travel schedule flexibility wouldn't even make me think twice about flying. You also have the option of buying tools at a discount at Craft Supplies while you're a student there (if that program's still going on???) and all of your new toys and supplies come home WITH YOU - no shipping costs. I suspect there may also be a few sources of local wood available - it may be more productive (and efficient) to contact woodturning club officers in Utah (see the clubs listing in the members area) and ask their advice on where to find sources of wood while you are there. Who knows, you might find some fellow turners who will help you source, cut, and load the wood - woodturners, in general, are very helpful, friendly people!
I like driving (especially solo, except for my ham radio which accompanies me during long, cross-country drives) and in recent years have become MUCH less enthusiastic about flying, annoyed at all of the extra baggage costs tacked on now, dealing with airports, etc. so I may be quite biased, but I think in the right direction! Fuel costs, even as high as they are now, would likely be less than the cheapest airfare.
Turn (and drive) safely!
Rob