2026 Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Schools
Looking for the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 99 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Leading the list is Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, our #1 Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering school in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $17,724 in debt. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Out of the 99 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Stanford University landed the #2 spot. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $10,492. Get the full Stanford University report
A rank of #3 makes Duke University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $13,296. Read more about Duke University
A rank of #4 makes Rice University one of the top choices in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. Rice University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $11,904. More on Rice University
A rank of #5 makes University Of Notre Dame one of the top choices in the United States. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. University Of Notre Dame graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $24,000. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #6 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $14,214 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #7 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Southern California ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $21,140. More on University Of Southern California
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Santa Clara University did well this year, earning the #10 position. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Santa Clara University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Santa Clara University Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $20,144 in debt. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #11 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $22,542. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #12 in this year's ranking. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,603 in student loans. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Saint Louis University Main Campus graduates 80% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $26,421. See the full Saint Louis University Main Campus profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #14 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Johns Hopkins University came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #16 in this year's ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $19,000. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $22,208 in student loans. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Dayton did well this year, earning the #18 position. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. University Of Dayton graduates 80% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. University Of Dayton Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $21,500. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. University Of Washington Seattle Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Cornell University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Read the full report on Cornell University
Case Western Reserve University came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Set in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. Case Western Reserve University posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,608. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $26,410. See the full Case Western Reserve University profile
University Of Florida came in at #23 in this year's ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $19,573. See the full University Of Florida profile
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $22,699. Read the full report on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $23,951 in student loans. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Rest of the Top 50 Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Iowa State University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,572 in student loans. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $22,500. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Washington University In St Louis ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. More on Washington University In St Louis
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $60,765. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #30 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $21,574. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #31 in this year's ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide placed #32 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide graduates 23% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,097. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $26,995 in debt. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
University Of California Davis landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $19,058. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #34 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. California State Polytechnic University Pomona graduates 68% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,295 in student loans. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,074. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $26,995 in debt. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
Auburn University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. Auburn University posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $20,458 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Get the full Auburn University report
Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. About 88% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $25,853. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott placed #38 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private not-for-profit institution. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,974. Students borrow a median of $26,995 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #39 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. About 74% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $25,039. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
Clarkson University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Located in Potsdam, NY, Clarkson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Clarkson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,398. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Clarkson University report
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Set in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,078. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University Of California San Diego landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. University Of California San Diego graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $21,305. Read more about University Of California San Diego
San Jose State University did well this year, earning the #43 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. San Jose State University graduates 69% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. See the full San Jose State University profile
West Virginia University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $27,242. Get the full West Virginia University report
The University Of Alabama ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. The University Of Alabama Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $26,787 in debt. More on The University Of Alabama
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
University Of Central Florida ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $27,875 in student loans. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $20,750. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $26,674 in student loans. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
Syracuse University placed #50 among Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse University graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Get the full Syracuse University report
Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Schools by Degree Level
See the best schools at each degree level:
- Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 99 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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