2027 Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
[Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering](/majors/engineering/aerospace-and-aeronautical-engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 48 schools to find the best return on investment for aerospace & aeronautical engineering students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools
University Of Florida earned the #1 spot for value among aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,573 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $92,942. Set against $19,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $103,878. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Students looking for strong value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering will find it at University Of California Los Angeles, which ranked #3. 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. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $109,272. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a great value for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $21,603 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $108,023 early in their careers. Set against $21,603 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 16%.
University Of Central Florida came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,875 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $97,843. Set against $27,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.
Stanford University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $10,492. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $111,760 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #7 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering 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. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $110,536. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.
California State University Long Beach landed the #8 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value 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, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,300 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $66,477. That is a strong return on a $25,300 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.
San Jose State University came in at #9 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
Purdue University Main Campus placed #10 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 $104,329. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #11 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. 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, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,951 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $99,132. That is a strong return on a $23,951 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Houston came in at #12 for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Early-career aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates make about $57,529. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At Arlington earned the #13 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Wichita State University placed #14 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $22,250. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $89,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Arizona State University ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $85,903 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Maryland College Park earned the #16 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public school located in the suburb of College Park. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Maryland College Park earn a median of $78,631 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #17 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering value this year. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $22,500. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $106,635 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants.
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earned the #18 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $72,607 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned the #19 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,574 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $70,820. That is a strong return on a $21,574 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
Utah State University ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Utah State University earn a median of $50,348 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants.
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Rolla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,699 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Missouri University Of Science And Technology generally make around $76,183. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #22 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program here. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $68,495 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.
University Of Arizona placed #23 among the best values for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for aerospace & aeronautical engineering graduates is $23,656. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $57,456 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Johns Hopkins University ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University generally make around $128,330. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Johns Hopkins University admits about 6% of applicants.
Ohio State University Main Campus earned the #25 position for value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,853 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $72,062. Set against $25,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 48 Best Value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s aerospace & aeronautical engineering value ranking:
Other Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering rankings across degree levels:
View All Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 48 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 48 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.
