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2026 Best Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools

46 Colleges in the United States
2,313 Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Degrees Awarded
$86,528 Avg Early-Career Salary

Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their aerospace & aeronautical engineering programs.

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

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering in the United States

Below are the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools at the master’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering

1

Johns Hopkins University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Johns Hopkins University awarded about 129 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University generally make around $128,330. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete this degree. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at Johns Hopkins University

2

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cambridge. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 46 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Massachusetts Institute Of Technology in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from Massachusetts Institute Of Technology generally make around $113,129. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $17,724 in student loans. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Southern California one of the top schools for aerospace & aeronautical engineering. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Southern California awarded about 134 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from University Of Southern California earn around $112,143 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,140. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for University Of Southern California

4

Students looking for a strong aerospace & aeronautical engineering program will find one at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 32 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

5
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 92% of students finish within six years. About 65 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at Stanford University in the most recent year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $111,760 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $10,492. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for Stanford University

6

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #6 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. University Of California Los Angeles awarded about 30 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $109,272. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at University Of California Los Angeles

7

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #7 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Washington Seattle Campus awarded about 44 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $110,536 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete this degree. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Washington Seattle Campus

8

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #8 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. About 252 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $103,878 in their early career. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

9

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 31 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $81,022 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,542 to complete this degree. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for The University Of Texas At Austin

10

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #10 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. About 129 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $108,023 early in their careers. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates carry a median of $21,603 in student loans. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

11

University Of California San Diego earned the #11 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 22 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of California San Diego in the most recent data year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $65,401 early in their careers. University Of California San Diego graduates carry a median of $21,305 in student loans. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for University Of California San Diego

12
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus landed the #12 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Purdue University Main Campus graduates 83% of students within six years. About 193 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $104,329 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Purdue University Main Campus

13

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned the #13 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Champaign. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. About 66 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent year. Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $99,132 early in their careers. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates carry a median of $23,951 in student loans. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

14

California Institute Of Technology came in at #14 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pasadena. California Institute Of Technology graduates 94% of students within six years. About 10 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at California Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from California Institute Of Technology generally make around $173,344. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for California Institute Of Technology

15

University Of Maryland College Park placed #15 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 25 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maryland College Park 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. University Of Maryland College Park graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for University Of Maryland College Park

16

Cornell University placed #16 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Ithaca. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. About 28 aerospace & aeronautical engineering degrees were awarded at Cornell University in the most recent year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $102,439 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,005. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Cornell University

17
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University came in at #17 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. There were roughly 28 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Auburn University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Auburn University earn around $68,607 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,458. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from Auburn University

18

University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #18 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. There were roughly 137 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Colorado Boulder in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from University Of Colorado Boulder generally make around $96,904. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates carry a median of $25,039 in student loans. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at University Of Colorado Boulder

19

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of College Station. About 84% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 58 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent data year. Graduates of the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program make about $96,252 in their early 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

20

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #20 spot for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. About 25 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. Typical student debt for the program is $21,574. Get the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering details for North Carolina State University At Raleigh

21

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned the #21 position for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 12 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $106,635. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

22

San Jose State University came in at #22 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 28 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for San Jose State University

23

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 65 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn around $76,856 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. More information about a degree in aerospace & aeronautical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

24

Washington University In St Louis came in at #24 for aerospace & aeronautical engineering this year. Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of St. Louis. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 34 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Washington University In St Louis in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from Washington University In St Louis earn around $92,802 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete this degree. See the full aerospace & aeronautical engineering program report for Washington University In St Louis

25
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida placed #25 among the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 52 aerospace & aeronautical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Florida in the most recent data year. Students who receive their aerospace & aeronautical engineering degree from University Of Florida earn around $92,942 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,573. Read more about the aerospace & aeronautical engineering program at University Of Florida

Rest of the Top 48 Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong aerospace & aeronautical engineering education:

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27
28
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31
32
33
34
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
35
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41
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43
44
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48

Other Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Degree Levels

Explore the best aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
Associate's Degrees in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
Bachelor's Degrees in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
View All Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, 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.

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