Aerospace engineering is a field that combines space, aviation, and cutting-edge innovation. If you’re ready to get involved in this high-flying STEM industry, the first thing you’ll have to do is earn a college degree in the subject.
In this Remitly guide, we’ll go over some of the most popular colleges for aerospace engineering, including tips for international students and ideas for making your college studies more affordable. Whether you dream of working at NASA or designing the next Mars rover, these schools can help you launch into your future.
What to look for in an aerospace engineering program
When you’re making a decision about where to study, you’ll need some criteria to help you find the best aerospace engineering programs. To find the school that’s right for you, consider the following key factors.
Accreditation
When researching where to study aerospace engineering in the US, first check whether the school is ABET-certified. This means that the program is approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. Essentially, this ensures that your academic schooling meets the quality standards established by the respective profession—in this case, aerospace engineering. An ABET-certified school will meet the needs of students and prepare graduates to enter their careers.
To find out whether or not a specific school is ABET-certified, you can use the ABET-certified search tool.
Faculty and facilities
Finding a school that has updated state-of-the-art facilities and labs is important for all studies, but especially for aerospace engineering. As this industry is really at the cutting edge of technology, you’ll want as much access to lab tools as possible so that you can develop hands-on experience during your academic career.
You’ll also want to find a school that has a faculty with industry experience. It’s a good idea to read the blurbs about the different faculty members and teaching staff of the schools that you’re interested in. Try to find schools that have faculty with experience that you’d like to mirror in your own career.
Internship pipelines
Colleges and universities that have strong relationships with top companies and organizations in aerospace engineering will be able to set you up for internship opportunities that can positively impact your future career. Look for schools that have helped students secure internships with key industry powerhouses like NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or SpaceX.
Strong STEM foundations
Ensure that any school to which you’re applying has strong STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) foundations. If your goal is to break into aerospace engineering, it would be a smart idea to check if the schools you’re interested in are also top-performing in these foundational fields.
Top US colleges for aerospace engineering
If you’re looking for a school with prestige and a longstanding reputation for excellence in aerospace engineering, consider these top universities for space and aviation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
For over a decade, the MIT aerospace engineering program has been a top contender in the US News & World Report rankings. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, studying at MIT puts you in contact with top-performing students from around the world. Tuition is about $64,000 per year and the acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 4.5%
Stanford University
Stanford University’s Aeronautics and Astronautics program incorporates a broad range of technologies to develop systems, design, and analysis methods. Currently ranked as the number three school in the US for aerospace engineering, Stanford offers opportunities for innovative research and a vibrant campus life. Tuition is about $68,000 per year and the acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 3.6%.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Also known as “Georgia Tech,” this college is hyper-focused on STEM studies. You’ll have access to a strong foundational education in engineering, plus specialized courses in aerodynamics, aircraft and spacecraft structures, and flight mechanics. Tuition is about $34,000 for out-of-state students and $11,000 for in-state students. The acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 9% for out-of-state students and 9% for Georgia residents.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Whether you call it “U of M,” “UM,” “UMich,” or simply “Michigan,” one thing is certain—you’ll get a great aerospace engineering education here. UM offers an internationally recognized aerospace engineering program with a focus on undergraduate research. Tuition is about $61,000 for out-of-state students and $18,000 for in-state students. The acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 17%.
Purdue University
If you navigate to Purdue’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics website, you will see a well-known face. Neil Armstrong graduated from the school in 1955. Needless to say, Purdue graduates really reach for the stars. Tuition is about $29,000 for out-of-state students and $10,000 for in-state students. The university has an acceptance rate of about 50%.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
If you know for certain that you’re interested in aerospace engineering and want to attend the largest and most respected university specializing exclusively in aviation and aerospace, look no further than Embry-Riddle. This school is for students who want to fly high. Tuition is about $44,000 per year and the acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 66%.
Affordable and accessible options
If you’re looking for more accessibility, either in terms of tuition costs or acceptance rates, there are options available. Even if you’re on a tighter budget, plenty of affordable aerospace engineering schools offer programs that are competitive and comprehensive.
University of Colorado, Boulder
The aerospace engineering program at UC Boulder addresses everything from rockets to radar and commercial planes to satellites. UC Boulder is also the number one public university for NASA research funding. Tuition is about $48,000 for out-of-state students and $19,000 for in-state students. The acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 76%.
Texas A&M University
Aerospace engineering students at Texas A&M have won awards from Boeing and NASA. They focus heavily on aerospace research and spend about $41M per year on research expenditures. Tuition is about $21,000 for out-of-state students and $7,000 for in-state students studying aerospace engineering. The acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 63%.
Virginia Tech
If you study aerospace engineering at Virginia Tech, you’ll focus on aerodynamics, flight dynamics, controls, propulsion, and aerospace structures. As a senior, you’ll be tasked with a design project that puts your knowledge to use in an applicable way. Tuition for full-time studies is about $17,000 for out-of-state students and $7,000 for in-state students. The acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 55%.
Arizona State University
If you’re looking to learn how to design and develop aerospace vehicles and systems, Arizona State’s aerospace engineering program might be right for you. Arizona State also offers accelerated learning options for students who pursue a related master’s degree. Tuition is about $37,000 for out-of-state students and $14,000 for in-state students. The acceptance rate for undergraduate students is around 90%.
Final tips for choosing the right program
As you decide where to study aerospace engineering, remember that labs, mentorship, and internships matter. Look beyond prestige and rankings and consider the offerings of each school. Be sure to compare in-state versus out-of-state tuition if you plan on attending a school outside your state of residence, and if you’re coming from overseas, check the international student fees.
Starting at a community college is a great way to save money, just be sure to research transfer pathways and discuss them with your academic advisor. Regardless of where you end up studying, ask about special support programs and opportunities for first-gen and international students.
Aerospace engineering is an exciting, albeit challenging, path. Finding the right college for you can make it accessible and inspiring. From elite labs to supportive public programs, there’s a school that fits your dreams. Explore these aerospace engineering programs further and take the first step toward a career that reaches new heights—literally.
FAQs
What jobs can I get with an aerospace engineering degree?
An aerospace engineering degree can be applied in many different ways. Designing aircraft, working in space exploration, propulsion systems, defense, and research and development are just a few of the possible applications of this course of study.
Do I need to go to a private school to access a strong aerospace engineering program?
No. Many top aerospace engineering programs are offered at public universities, and they have excellent resources and student outcomes.
Can I transfer from community college to an aerospace engineering program?
Yes. Plenty of schools have 2+2 programs for engineering. This means that you’ll study for two years at a community college before transferring into a traditional college or university for the final two years of your degree. If you plan to take this route, take your math and physics courses early and speak with your academic advisor to ensure that all of your credits will transfer.
Are there scholarships for aerospace engineering students?
Yes. Some companies, like NASA or Boeing, offer scholarships for students pursuing careers in the aerospace engineering field. Universities themselves also offer scholarships. Your scholarships don’t have to be STEM-specific. You can also apply for general financial aid and merit awards to help fund your studies.