2027 Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools
[Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering](/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/aerospace-aeronautical-space-engineering/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong aerospace & aeronautical engineering education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 76 schools to find the best return on investment for aerospace & aeronautical engineering students.
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Finding the Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering School for You
The right aerospace & aeronautical engineering school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Learn more about our methodology
2027 Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools
Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for aerospace & aeronautical engineering in the United States. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,573 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $81,851. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.
Students looking for strong value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering will find it at Florida Atlantic University, which ranked #2. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $49,340. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus generally make around $91,589. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Michigan Ann Arbor one of the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $21,603. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $94,124. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Los Angeles earned it the #5 place for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $19,000. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $90,170 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.
University Of California San Diego placed #6 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,305 in student loans. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $65,401 early in their careers. Set against $21,305 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #7 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Students borrow a median of $26,295 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $78,320 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Students borrow a median of $23,312 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from The University Of Texas At San Antonio generally make around $49,955. Set against $23,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Stanford University came in at #9 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $111,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.
California State University Long Beach came in at #10 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $25,300 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $66,477. That is a strong return on a $25,300 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.
University Of Central Florida earned the #11 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Students borrow a median of $27,875 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $82,898. That is a strong return on a $27,875 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #12 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $93,709 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.
San Jose State University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #14 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $24,537. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from New Mexico State University Main Campus generally make around $68,002. That is a strong return on a $24,537 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #15 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of The University Of Texas At El Paso earn a median of $48,335 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned the #16 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $23,951. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $87,496. That is a strong return on a $23,951 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
University Of California Irvine came in at #17 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Students borrow a median of $18,950 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $67,425 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,950 median debt. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $88,159. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.
University Of Houston came in at #19 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $21,255. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $57,529 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Davis landed the #20 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $19,058. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $71,633. Set against $19,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $78,005. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Arizona State University came in at #22 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $78,808. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Wichita State University came in at #23 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $75,682 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.
San Diego State University landed the #24 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $74,375. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Maryland College Park placed #25 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $78,631. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering:
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Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering. Browse the parent area of study.
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 76 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 76 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
