2026 Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 99 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
The University Of Texas At Austin earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Out of the 99 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas A And M University College Station landed the #2 spot. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $22,208 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
A rank of #3 makes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach one of the best values in the United States. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,074. Students borrow a median of $26,995 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report
You'll get strong value at Wichita State University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $22,250. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on Wichita State University
Out of the 99 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #5 spot. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $21,500. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Cornell University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Cornell University Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornell University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Iowa State University Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $26,572 in debt. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $26,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $22,699. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $26,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of Florida placed #14 among the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,573 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $19,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #15 among the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $23,951. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,951 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,574 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $21,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Kansas report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $20,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Arizona State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of California San Diego ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $21,305 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Set against $21,305 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California San Diego
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $20,458 in debt. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,458 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on Auburn University
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Florida Institute Of Technology placed #25 among the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Melbourne, FL. Students from in state pay about $45,900 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,982 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,137. That is a strong return on a $26,982 median debt. Florida Institute Of Technology admits about 58% of applicants. See the full Florida Institute Of Technology profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $24,537 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Mexico State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full New Mexico State University Main Campus profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $25,260. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Arlington
The University Of Alabama placed #28 among the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $26,787. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,787 median debt. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,039 to complete their Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
University Of Central Florida landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. University Of Central Florida Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering students take on a median of $27,875 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of Alabama At Huntsville ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Huntsville, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,132, compared with $26,408 for out-of-state students. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $25,000. University Of Alabama At Huntsville alumni report median earnings of $61,767 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Huntsville
Stanford University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $10,492. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $21,603 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $25,853. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $24,846. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,846 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University At Buffalo report
Utah State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $16,191. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Utah State University
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $21,140. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants. More on University Of Southern California
Case Western Reserve University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,608. Typical Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering student debt is $26,410. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,989. Set against $26,410 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Case Western Reserve University
The University Of Tennessee ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $25,243. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $64,078. The median Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering program debt is $25,000. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $102,051 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute profile
University Of Arizona landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,656 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of Kentucky placed #42 among the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Pennsylvania State University Main Campus report
California State University Long Beach came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Florida Atlantic University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
California Institute Of Technology landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full California Institute Of Technology report
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide placed #48 among the best-value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering schools in the United States. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
San Jose State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Johns Hopkins University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University
Related Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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