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

2026 Best Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools

64 Colleges in the United States
6,110 Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Degrees Awarded
$72,080 Avg Early-Career Salary

Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 99 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools.

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/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 2
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 14.02), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering in the United States

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

Top Schools in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering

1

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering. This very large public university is located in the city of University Park. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. There were roughly 150 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. There were roughly 128 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn around $80,225 in the first couple years of their 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

3

University Of Southern California is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Los Angeles. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. About 61 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $78,980. Typical student debt for the program is $21,140. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for University Of Southern California

4

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, ranking #4. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus awarded about 248 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $79,300 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,750. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

5

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. 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 55 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $113,129 in their early career. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $17,724 in student loans. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

6

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #6 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Champaign. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. There were roughly 141 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $75,859 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,951. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

7

University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #7 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. There were roughly 64 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 $76,881. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at University Of Washington Seattle Campus

8
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of West Lafayette. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. About 323 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $71,989. Purdue University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Purdue University Main Campus

9

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #9 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 107 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $81,022 in their early career. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates carry a median of $22,542 in student loans. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for The University Of Texas At Austin

10

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. University Of Maryland College Park awarded about 130 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data 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. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Maryland College Park

11

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned the #11 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo awarded about 95 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn around $85,509 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

12

University Of Colorado Boulder earned the #12 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public university. About 74% of students finish within six years. About 206 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Colorado Boulder in the most recent year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Colorado Boulder earn a median of $81,835 early in their careers. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates carry a median of $25,039 in student loans. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from University Of Colorado Boulder

13

University Of California Los Angeles earned the #13 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 61 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 $71,068 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from University Of California Los Angeles

14
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida earned the #14 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. University Of Florida awarded about 143 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $70,760 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,573. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from University Of Florida

15

University Of California San Diego placed #15 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 88 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of California San Diego in the most recent 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. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for University Of California San Diego

16

Texas A And M University College Station landed the #16 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Texas A And M University College Station graduates 84% of students within six years. Texas A And M University College Station awarded about 207 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 $74,524 in the first couple years of their career. Texas A And M University College Station graduates carry a median of $22,208 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for Texas A And M University College Station

17
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #17 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. There were roughly 13 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Stanford University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Stanford University earn around $111,760 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete this degree. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Stanford University

18

San Jose State University came in at #18 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. San Jose State University awarded about 55 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at San Jose State University

19

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #19 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 202 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $76,856 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

20
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University placed #20 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. About 82% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 94 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Auburn University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $68,607 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,458. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at Auburn University

21

University Of California Irvine came in at #21 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. University Of California Irvine awarded about 61 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from University Of California Irvine earn around $67,425 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,950. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of California Irvine

22

North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned the #22 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 101 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $70,820 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,574 to complete this degree. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at North Carolina State University At Raleigh

23

San Diego State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. San Diego State University graduates 76% of students within six years. About 104 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at San Diego State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $74,375 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from San Diego State University

24

University Of California Davis came in at #24 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 53 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Davis in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from University Of California Davis earn around $71,633 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,058 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from University Of California Davis

25

California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #25 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. About 68% of students finish within six years. California State Polytechnic University Pomona awarded about 118 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $78,320 in their early career. California State Polytechnic University Pomona graduates carry a median of $26,295 in student loans. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Rest of the Top 50 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
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
43
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
44
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
45
46
47
48
49
50

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
Master'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. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, 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