ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools

46 Colleges in the United States
2,301 Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Degrees Awarded
$87,173 Avg Early-Career Salary

Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 99 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for aerospace & aeronautical engineering students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: No offers_data.offers found, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering in the United States

These are the top schools for a master’s degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, based on student outcomes and program quality.

Top Schools in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering

1

Our analysis ranked Johns Hopkins University the best school in the country for a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. There were roughly 129 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins University in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $128,330 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from Johns Hopkins University

2

A rank of #2 makes Massachusetts Institute Of Technology one of the top schools for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology graduates 96% of students within six years. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology awarded about 46 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Massachusetts Institute Of Technology generally make around $113,129. Students borrow a median of $17,724 to complete this degree. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

3

University Of Southern California is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 134 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Southern California in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from University Of Southern California earn around $112,143 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $21,140 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Southern California

4

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. About 86% of students finish within six years. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus awarded about 32 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

5
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. Stanford University awarded about 65 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $111,760. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete this degree. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at Stanford University

6

University Of California Los Angeles placed #6 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 30 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Los Angeles in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $109,272 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of California Los Angeles

7

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #7 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. There were roughly 44 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Washington Seattle Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $110,536. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Washington Seattle Campus

8

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #8 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public university. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 252 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn around $103,878 in the first couple years of their career. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

9

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #9 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. About 89% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 31 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $81,022 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,542. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for The University Of Texas At Austin

10

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #10 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Ann Arbor. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 129 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $108,023 in their early career. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates carry a median of $21,603 in student loans. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

11

University Of California San Diego earned the #11 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 22 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of California San Diego in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $65,401 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,305 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from University Of California San Diego

12
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus earned the #12 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 193 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $104,329. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at Purdue University Main Campus

13

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign awarded about 66 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $99,132. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates carry a median of $23,951 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

14

California Institute Of Technology came in at #14 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Pasadena, California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. About 10 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at California Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from California Institute Of Technology earn around $173,344 in the first couple years of their career. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for California Institute Of Technology

15

University Of Maryland College Park earned the #15 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of College Park. About 89% of students finish within six years. About 25 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from University Of Maryland College Park earn around $78,631 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Maryland College Park graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Maryland College Park

16

Cornell University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. There were roughly 28 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Cornell University in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $102,439 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from Cornell University

17
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University came in at #17 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. There were roughly 28 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Auburn University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Auburn University earn around $68,607 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,458 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from Auburn University

18

University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #18 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 137 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Colorado Boulder in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Colorado Boulder earn a median of $96,904 early in their careers. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates carry a median of $25,039 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Colorado Boulder

19

Texas A And M University College Station placed #19 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of College Station. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Texas A And M University College Station awarded about 58 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Texas A And M University College Station earn around $96,252 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,208. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at Texas A And M University College Station

20

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #20 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Raleigh. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. There were roughly 25 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $70,820 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,574. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at North Carolina State University At Raleigh

21

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned the #21 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 12 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $106,635. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

22

San Jose State University landed the #22 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 28 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at San Jose State University

23

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earned the #23 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 65 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn around $76,856 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

24

Washington University In St Louis placed #24 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 34 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at Washington University In St Louis in the most recent year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Washington University In St Louis earn around $92,802 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,553. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for Washington University In St Louis

25
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida placed #25 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. University Of Florida awarded about 52 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $92,942 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,573. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at University Of Florida

Rest of the Top 47 Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s aerospace & aeronautical engineering ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47

Other Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
Associate's Degrees in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
Bachelor's Degrees in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
ADBLOCK #173
View All Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 99 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options