by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1 U.S. colleges awarded 8 degrees and certificates in Astronautical Engineering. Graduates earn a median $77,688 one year after completing, rising to $102,804 after four years.
A degree in Astronautical Engineering involves the study of A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Mathematical And Scientific Principles To The Design, Development, And Operational Evaluation Of Aircraft And Space Vehicles. Includes Instruction In Control Systems, Fluid Dynamics, Electrical Circuits Systems, Orbital Mechanics, Propulsion, Remote Sensing, Satellites, Spacecraft Centers, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, And Space Exploration.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, astronautical engineering is a popular field of study, with 8 degrees awarded annually. 1 colleges award astronautical engineering degrees, an average of 8 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 8.
All 8 of the awards are master’s degrees, the only level colleges reported.
Women earned 25% of astronautical engineering degrees and certificates in the latest year (2 of 8). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (3) and Hispanic or Latino (1), and international students earned 3.
O*NET rates Speaking the most important skill for jobs related to astronautical engineering, at 4.0 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and English Language. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an astronautical engineering degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to astronautical engineering, at 34.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 34.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 18.6% |
| Master’s degree | 12.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 11.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 4.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.9% |
| First professional degree | 1.0% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.8% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Astronautical Engineering, with an average median salary of $82,318; the strongest outlook belongs to Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, at 10.6% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Marine Engineering Professor, Instructor, Petroleum Engineering Teacher and Ship Design Teacher.
The occupation related to astronautical engineering with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 214,833 | 10.6% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
| Aerospace Engineers | 138,496 | 5.1% |
Astronautical Engineering graduates earn a median $77,688 one year after completing their program, $102,804 after four years and $101,440 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $77,688 |
| 4 years | $102,804 |
| 5 years | $101,440 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to astronautical engineering is Architectural and Engineering Managers, with a median salary of $101,277.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,889 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $77,835 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $63,328 |
Astronautical Engineering has 2 similar majors in the Engineering field, which together award 10,162 degrees a year; the largest are Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General (10,161) and Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Other (1). Browse all Engineering majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General | 10,161 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Other | 1 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.