2026 Best Value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/air-transportation/aeronautics-aviation-aerospace-science-and-technology-general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 105 schools to find the best return on investment for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology students.
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2026 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
For return on investment in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology, no school beat California State University Los Angeles this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $15,132 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $46,267. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
A rank of #2 makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University one of the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Located in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. 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. That is a strong return on a $18,660 median debt. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Polk State College one of the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Set in the city of Winter Haven, Polk State College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $11,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fairmont State University earned it the #4 place for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Set in the town of Fairmont, Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,708 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,924. Students borrow a median of $26,447 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Fairmont State University earn a median of $45,920 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,447 median debt. Fairmont State University admits about 99% of applicants.
Southern Utah University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology schools. Set in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, while out-of-state students pay about $21,192. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $44,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Eastern Kentucky University placed #6 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $23,781 in student loans. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $35,625 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,781 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Elizabeth City State University landed the #7 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Elizabeth City. In-state tuition and fees average $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Elizabeth City State University earn a median of $28,300 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,992 median debt. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants.
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #8 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Set in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Green River Community College placed #9 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Set in the city of Auburn, Green River Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,711, with out-of-state students paying around $5,263. Median earnings reach $50,712 ten years out.
Middle Tennessee State University landed the #10 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
San Jose State University landed the #11 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Arizona State University came in at #12 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,421 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $44,481. That is a strong return on a $22,421 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Purdue University Main Campus placed #13 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $45,190 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana State University came in at #14 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Terre Haute. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Indiana State University generally make around $40,112. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Utah State University landed the #15 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $33,142. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
University Of Memphis landed the #16 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. University Of Memphis is a very large public school located in the city of Memphis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $26,315 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $48,890 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Delta State University earned the #17 position for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Delta State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Cleveland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Delta State University earn a median of $32,537 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants.
University Of Alaska Anchorage came in at #18 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Set in the city of Anchorage, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. Typical student debt for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from University Of Alaska Anchorage generally make around $40,796. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Middle Georgia State University landed the #19 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. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,390. Students borrow a median of $22,700 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $41,028. That is a strong return on a $22,700 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Texas came in at #20 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Set in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,573 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Early-career general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates make about $56,487. That is a strong return on a $23,573 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology value this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Stillwater. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $19,924 in student loans. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $45,682 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,924 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
Metropolitan State College Of Denver came in at #22 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Located in the city of Denver, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,124 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. Typical student debt for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology graduates is $24,356. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Metropolitan State College Of Denver generally make around $43,922. That is a strong return on a $24,356 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #23 among the best values for general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Carbondale generally make around $44,063. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
Delaware State University earned the #24 position for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Set in the city of Dover, Delaware State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,670, compared with $20,634 for out-of-state students. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates carry a median of $26,333 in student loans. General Aeronautics/aviation/aerospace Science & Technology graduates of Delaware State University earn a median of $41,572 early in their careers. Set against $26,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore came in at #25 for value in general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology this year. Set in the town of Princess Anne, University Of Maryland Eastern Shore is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,076 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,122. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology program here. Soon after graduation, general aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science & technology degree recipients from University Of Maryland Eastern Shore generally make around $27,154. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
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:
Other General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology rankings across degree levels:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 105 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 34 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.
