2027 Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Schools

[General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/air-transportation/aeronautics-aviation-aerospace-science-and-technology-general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 61 schools to find the best return on investment for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology students.
What’s on this page:
Finding the Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology School for You
The right general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Read more about our methodology
Customize Your Rankings
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the 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.
See how we build our rankings
2027 Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Schools
California State University Los Angeles earned the #1 spot for value among general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology schools in the United States. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $15,132 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $46,267 early in their careers. Set against $15,132 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central New Mexico Community College earned it the #2 place for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Central New Mexico Community College generally make around $34,751. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwestern Michigan College earned it the #3 place for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Northwestern Michigan College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Traverse City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,860, with out-of-state students paying around $13,476. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $14,803 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Northwestern Michigan College generally make around $37,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Sinclair Community College earned it the #4 place for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $12,525 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $35,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #5 makes Hinds Community College one of the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Set in the rural area of Raymond, Hinds Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,300. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $16,385 in student loans. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $34,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southern Utah University came in at #6 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,886 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $44,998 early in their careers. Set against $12,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University came in at #7 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Set in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,200, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $51,797. Set against $18,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Polk State College earned the #8 position for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Polk State College is a large public school located in the city of Winter Haven. In-state tuition and fees average $2,694, while out-of-state students pay about $9,818. Typical student debt for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates is $11,197. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Polk State College generally make around $50,499. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Thomas Nelson Community College earned the #9 position for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Located in the suburb of Hampton, Thomas Nelson Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,088, while out-of-state students pay about $11,526. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $14,402 in student loans. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $36,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lane Community College came in at #10 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Located in the suburb of Eugene, Lane Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,202, compared with $13,078 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates is $18,373. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $60,759. That is a strong return on a $18,373 median debt.
Elizabeth City State University placed #11 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Elizabeth City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,536, while out-of-state students pay about $10,536. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $28,300. That is a strong return on a $26,992 median debt. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants.
Schenectady County Community College landed the #12 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Schenectady County Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Schenectady. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,190, compared with $8,974 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,902 ten years after entry.
Mountwest Community And Technical College came in at #13 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Set in the suburb of Huntington, Mountwest Community And Technical College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,938, with out-of-state students paying around $12,304. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $11,763 in student loans. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $37,004. Set against $11,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The Community College Of Baltimore County earned the #14 position for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Located in the suburb of Baltimore, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,182 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,038 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of The Community College Of Baltimore County earn a median of $52,440 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,038 median debt.
Eastern Kentucky University landed the #15 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $23,781 in student loans. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $35,625. Set against $23,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Indiana State University placed #16 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $40,112 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Memphis placed #17 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $48,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Middle Georgia State University landed the #18 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Set in the city of Macon, Middle Georgia State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,038, compared with $16,390 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,700 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Middle Georgia State University earn a median of $41,028 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
San Jose State University ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology schools. 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. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #20 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical student debt for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates is $20,750. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Carbondale generally make around $42,010. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #21 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates is $21,992. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $43,909 early in their careers. Set against $21,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology schools. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public school located in the city of Omaha. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $42,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants.
Purdue University Main Campus earned the #23 position for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology 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, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical student debt for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates is $21,250. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $57,583. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.
Green River Community College earned the #24 position for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Green River Community College is a large public school located in the city of Auburn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,711, compared with $5,263 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,712.
Delta State University placed #25 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Set in the town of Cleveland, Delta State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,605. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $51,585. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value ranking:
Narrow General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Schools by Region
View All Rankings >
Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology. 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 · 61 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 61 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.