[Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering](/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. 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.
Finding the Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering School for You
Where you study aerospace & aeronautical engineering affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we built 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.
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. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
University Of Florida tops our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools in the United States. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,573 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $81,851. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering will find it at Florida Atlantic University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $49,340. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $22,750. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $91,589 early in their careers. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a great value for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,603 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $94,124. That is a strong return on a $21,603 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering will find it at University Of California Los Angeles, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $19,000. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $90,170. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California San Diego earned the #6 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $21,305 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.
California State Polytechnic University Pomona earned the #7 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $26,295. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $78,320 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,295 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #8 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $23,312. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $49,955 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants.
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. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $111,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.
California State University Long Beach earned the #10 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,300 in student loans. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $66,477 early in their careers. Set against $25,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Central Florida ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Students borrow a median of $27,875 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $82,898 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
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, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $93,709 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%.
San Jose State University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #14 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $24,537 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $68,002 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from The University Of Texas At El Paso generally make around $48,335. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, 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. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Irvine ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $18,950. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $67,425. That is a strong return on a $18,950 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%.
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #18 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $88,159. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%.
University Of Houston placed #19 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Houston generally make around $57,529. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
University Of California Davis landed the #20 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,058 in student loans. 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. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public school located in the city of Arlington. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Arlington generally make around $78,005. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Arizona State University earned the #22 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $78,808 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $75,682. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
San Diego State University came in at #24 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $23,000. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $74,375. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #25 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $78,631. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, 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).
[Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering](/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong aerospace & aeronautical engineering education at a price that pays off.
