Aerospace Engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the study of principles of flight dynamics, aircraft structure, materials, fluid mechanics, etc. The field is often pursued by individuals who have a strong passion for aircraft and have a strong background in mathematics and physics.
The USA curriculum involves intense coursework related to different aspects of aerospace engineering along with laboratory and experimental works. The outcome of a bachelor's or a master's program from a USA prestigious school is a technically efficient leader able to carry out different engineering practices, lead a team, find solutions to unique problems, and engage in acquiring knowledge of advanced technologies.
Engineers must always collaborate with their team members because of the scope of aerospace engineering projects. Additionally, mechanical engineering serves as the foundation for aeronautical engineering, opening up a wide number of job opportunities for those with an undergraduate degree in the field.
Aerospace engineers may earn anywhere from 70,000 to 130,000 USD annually and more.
Graduates from the USA can engage in the development, design, research, testing, and maintenance of the performance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, rockets, satellites, and weapon systems in the USA aero field, among other fields.
The top aerospace engineering university in USA is listed below:
|
Rank |
University |
|
1 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|
2 |
California Institute of Technology |
|
2 |
Stanford University |
|
4 |
Georgia Institute of Technology |
|
5 |
Purdue University |
|
6 |
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
|
7 |
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
|
8 |
Texas A&M University |
|
8 |
University of Colorado - Boulder |
|
8 |
University of Texas - Austin |
|
11 |
Cornell University |
|
11 |
Princeton University |
|
- |
Air Force Institute of Technology |
|
- |
Arizona State University |
Top Aerospace Engineering University in the USA: Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering provides an introduction or background to all the aspects of the field. Courses generally include flight dynamics and propulsion, aircraft materials, statics and dynamics, fluid dynamics, etc.
Typically, a bachelor's degree is completed in 4 years. Some universities also offer combined BS/MS programs that can be completed in 5 years. The tuition fee for the program ranges from $27,000 to $58,000 per year.
More than 50 universities United States offer a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, including some of the top institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, and others.
These are the leading institutions in the USA in relation to undergraduate programs in aerospace engineering.
|
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
4 years |
|
California Institute of Technology |
Undergraduate Minor in Aerospace |
- |
|
Stanford University |
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering |
4 years |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
4 years |
|
Purdue University |
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering |
4 years |
|
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Aerospace Engineering |
4 years |
|
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
4 years |
|
Texas A&M University |
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
4 years |
|
University of Colorado - Boulder |
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
4 years |
|
University of Texas - Austin |
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
4 years |
Documents Requirement:
- High-school transcripts
- School Reports
- English Language Test Scores
- SAT or ACT scores (Optional for some universities)
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
Academic Requirement:
- Completion of high school education
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 100 overall
- An IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall
- A DUOLINGO score of 115 to 125.
Top Aerospace Engineering University in the USA: Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Tuition Fee)
|
University |
Tuition Fee |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
$57,590 |
|
California Institute of Technology |
$58,479 |
|
Stanford University |
$55,473 (18,491*3) quarters |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$31,370 (15,685*2) semester |
|
Purdue University |
$33,154 |
|
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
$53,216 |
|
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
$41,110 |
|
Texas A&M University |
$27,000 |
|
University of Colorado - Boulder |
$59,525 |
|
University of Texas - Austin |
$44,042 (22,021*2) |
Top Aerospace Engineering University in the USA: Master of Aerospace Engineering
A master's degree in Aerospace engineering allows the student to specialize in different fields of aerospace engineering such as flight mechanics, structural mechanics, aircraft material, fluid mechanics, etc. It also provides a pathway to a PhD as some universities require a master's degree for entry into a PhD program.
The course duration of a Master of Aerospace Engineering program is 1 to 2 years and the tuition fee for the program ranges from $27,000 to $58,000 per year.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology has granted accreditation to all aeronautical programs in American colleges (ABET).
Comparatively, after graduation, you can expect to make an average of 85,000+ USD every year.
|
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (SM) |
1 – 2 year |
|
California Institute of Technology |
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
1 – 2 year |
|
Stanford University |
Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
|
Purdue University |
Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
|
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
1.5 year |
|
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
1.5 years |
|
Texas A&M University |
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
|
University of Colorado - Boulder |
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
|
University of Texas - Austin |
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
Academic Requirement:
- A 4 years bachelor’s degree in a related field from a recognized institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.25 on a 4.0 scale is required
English Language Requirement:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 90 to 100 overall
- A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5 is required
Documents Required:
- Transcript
- GRE scores
- English Language Test Scores
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendations
Top Aerospace Engineering University in the USA: Master of Aerospace Engineering (Tuition Fee)
|
University |
Tuition Fee |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
$55,510 |
|
California Institute of Technology |
$58,467 |
|
Stanford University |
$36,210 |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$29,140 (14,570*2) |
|
Purdue University |
$29,918 |
|
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
$54,046 (27,023*2) |
|
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
$29,034 |
|
Texas A&M University |
$27,000 |
|
University of Colorado - Boulder |
$36,180 |
|
University of Texas - Austin |
$34,000 - $39,000 |
Top Aerospace Engineering University in the USA: PhD in Aerospace Engineering
A PhD in Aerospace Engineering in USA is a higher-level research degree that is for students who wish to have a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. Students in a doctoral program take a wide range of courses in Aeronautics, Aerospace, or Space Engineering along with extensive research components.
With a strong background in science and engineering, highly motivated learners can pursue their doctoral degrees while conducting research and completing coursework in the fields of aircraft structures, propulsion, and aerodynamic systems.
The course duration of a doctoral program in USA colleges is 4 to 6 years depending upon the prior qualification of the applicant and research experience. The tuition fee for the program ranges from $29,000 to $58,000 per year.
|
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics |
4 – 6 years |
|
California Institute of Technology |
Ph.D. in Aeronautics or Space Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
|
Stanford University |
Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics |
4 – 6 years |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
|
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
|
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
|
Texas A&M University |
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
Documents Required:
- Transcripts of all university-level courses completed
- GRE scores
- English Language Test Scores
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendations
- Writing samples
Academic Requirement:
- A 4 years bachelor’s or a master’s degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 is required
English Language Requirement:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 90 to 100 overall
- A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5 is required
Top Aerospace Engineering University in the USA: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (Tuition Fee)
|
University |
Tuition Fee |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
$55,510 |
|
California Institute of Technology |
$58,467 |
|
Stanford University |
$36,210 |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$29,140 |
|
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
$54,046 |
|
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
$29,034 |
|
Texas A&M University |
$36,180 |
Top Engineering University in the USA: Scholarships
Numerous scholarships for degreed engineers are offered by universities or even by private institutions and groups.
If you are a student of aerospace engineering looking for undergraduate programs, Graduate programs or PhD Programs in the USA's best universities in aerospace engineering on fully funded or partial support scholarships, you can find list of aerospace engineering scholarships for international students on this page.
Some of the international scholarships available for study in the USA are included in the table below:
|
University |
Award |
Amount |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford University Scholarships |
Full Tuition Waiver along with traveling and living allowance and academic expenses |
|
Texas A&M University |
Eppright Outstanding International Student Award |
$2000 |
|
International Education Fee Scholarship |
Varies |
|
|
The University of Texas at Austin |
Jerry D. Wilcox Community Engagement Scholarship |
$3500 |
|
International Education Fee (IEF) |
Varies |
|
|
General ISSS Financial Aid award |
$4000 for the fall and spring semester and $2500 for the summer semester |
|
|
University of Colorado – Boulder |
CU Boulder Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship |
$6250 per year for four years |
Top Aerospace Engineering University in the USA: Job Scopes
Aerospace engineers work in several different fields including design, manufacturing, and testing of aircraft and aircraft materials. Graduates are often hired by aircraft manufacturing companies, tunnel testing companies, maintenance companies, etc. in the USA.
One team of extremely sought-after specialists is aerospace engineers. In fact, among engineers, aviation engineers earn some of the highest salaries. Designing, building, testing, and managing aeroplanes are all part of an aeronautical engineer's job description. An aerospace engineer's work involves a wide range of aircraft, including planes, rockets, missiles, and many others.
From 2019 to 2029, the number of aerospace engineers employed in the USA is anticipated to expand by 3%. In 2019,
The average salary of a graduate of Science in Aerospace Engineering in the USA is $85,000 per year.
|
Role |
Range of Salary |
Average Salary |
|
Aerospace Engineer |
$62,000 - $115,000 |
$82,574 |
|
Aerospace Systems Engineer |
$68,000 - $100,000 |
$79,323 |
|
Manufacturing Engineer |
$58,000 - $99,000 |
$74,598 |
|
Aeronautical Engineer |
$65,000 - $106,000 |
$82,806 |
|
Test Engineer |
$65,000 - $107,000 |
$80,193 |
|
Flight Test Engineer |
$71,000 - $110,000 |
$86,867 |
|
Control Systems Engineer |
$64,000 - $112,000 |
$83,834 |
|
Propulsion Engineer |
$64,000 - $112,000 |
$82,890 |
|
Structural Engineer |
$59,000 - $99,000 |
$73,936 |
|
Controls Engineer |
$64,000 - $113,000 |
$84,272 |
|
Mechanical Design Engineer |
$58,000 - $101,000 |
$74,857 |
Top Hiring Companies for Aerospace Engineers in the USA:
- US Air Force
- Boeing
- Northrop Gruman
- Lockheed Martin
- NASA
- Honeywell
- Dynetcis
- US Navy
- United States Federal Government
- Blue Origin
