{"id":25167,"date":"2022-06-16T20:17:56","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T03:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=25167"},"modified":"2022-09-01T14:43:41","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T21:43:41","slug":"best-aerospace-engineering-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-aerospace-engineering-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Aerospace Engineering Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Aerospace Engineering Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aerospace engineering is an exciting career path in which you can design and build aircraft for the government or top companies. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting an <\/span>eight percent growth in the field through 2030<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s a great time to become an aerospace engineer. To start on this path, you\u2019ll need to attend one of the best schools for aerospace engineering.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best aerospace engineering schools will teach you essential aerospace engineering skills like aerodynamics, engineering graphics, aircraft structures, and computer-aided simulation. Whether you\u2019re interested in bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s aerospace engineering programs, this article shares the best aerospace engineering colleges and the best aerospace engineering universities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picking from the best aerospace engineering schools does not have to be rocket science. Indeed, in aerospace engineering programs, rocket science comes after you enroll.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this robust field, there is no shortage of aerospace engineering schools and aerospace engineering programs to choose from. And while choosing the right school for your talents and aspirations is not rocket science, the sheer number of choices and the many factors you must consider can make for an overwhelming selection process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re here to make it easier for you. In this guide, you\u2019ll learn more about this discipline, different degrees in aerospace engineering, and the best aerospace engineering schools.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Aerospace Engineering?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In an academic context, aerospace engineering is an umbrella term that covers a vast array of math, physics, and practical education across two distinct engineering subfields: aeronautical engineering (aero-) and astronautical engineering (-space). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presence of nautical makes these terms a little confusing. But don\u2019t worry. Even though the etymology of nautical relates to sailing, as an aerospace engineer you won\u2019t be launching airplanes and spaceships on the high seas. Here, the meaning of nautical refers to the science of navigation more broadly. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This expanded sense of nautical offers a window into what aerospace engineers do. We tend to take air and space travel for granted because human beings have already conquered these frontiers. But when you stop to think about it, the ability to build vessels capable of flying safely through the Earth\u2019s atmosphere or in outer space is truly an engineering marvel.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And because the physics of navigation varies according to the composition of the surrounding air, these two types of engineers do slightly different things. Whereas specialists in aeronautics design, build, implement, maintain, and enhance aircraft, astronautical engineers design, construct, implement, maintain, and enhance spacecraft.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the two curricula overlap, astronautical and aeronautical engineers are typically housed under the same aerospace engineering program. Whether you\u2019re more interested in space flight or aviation, your training will probably cover the fundamentals of both. In any event, you can expect heavy doses of physics, calculus, and computer science, both theoretical and applied.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an aerospace engineer in 2019 was $116,500. This is just one indication of the immense value that aerospace engineers bring to society. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With an aerospace engineering degree, you can use your knowledge to solve countless real-world problems, from designing faster and more efficient machines, to advancing autonomous vehicle technology, to finding creative applications for medicine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019re here because the topic just sounds interesting and you\u2019re exploring your collegiate options. Or maybe you\u2019re one of the many aerospace engineering majors already out there and you\u2019re researching graduate programs to see how you can take your learning to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either way, we\u2019ve got you covered. Degrees in aerospace engineering fall into three basic categories. Let\u2019s explore them below.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you intend to pursue a career in engineering, there\u2019s no substantive difference between these two types of bachelor\u2019s degrees. As you\u2019re applying to schools, just make sure to research the process of being admitted to your chosen aerospace engineering program. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most universities and institutes that offer aerospace engineering programs have a College of Engineering embedded within their institutional structure. Because these programs are competitive, many engineering schools will require you to apply directly to them as part of your application to the university. Other Colleges of Engineering only accept applications from students who are already enrolled in the affiliated university. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pay attention to these differences, and make sure you meet all the minimum requirements before you apply. You should have a backup plan for your bachelor\u2019s degree in case the aerospace engineering program at your university fills up. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Master of Science in Engineering<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One or more graduate programs in aerospace engineering may be desirable depending on your circumstances and goals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are plenty of good-paying jobs in aerospace engineering, a master\u2019s degree will improve your versatility on the job market and accelerate your career trajectory.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covering advanced topics in a compressed time frame, an MS in Aerospace Engineering will typically take between one and two years to complete.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Science<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not for the faint of heart, a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering will take two to four years to complete after you have obtained your master\u2019s degree. Be aware that some PhD programs require a separate application. However, at the end of some master\u2019s programs, you will have the option to continue your studies in a PhD program.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These super-specialized courses of study are designed for aerospace engineers who are less interested in applying what they\u2019ve learned than researching advanced topics and contributing new academic knowledge to the discipline. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose an Aerospace Engineering School<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no secret sauce for choosing the right school or program. Don\u2019t be fooled by the proliferation of rankings available on the Internet, from the gold standard US News and World Report to less name-brand publications like Best Value Schools and College Factual.  Their disagreements are proof that these rankings are highly subjective. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that no two rankings are the same suggests that the preference of any school over another depends on the criteria we apply and how much weight we give to each criterion. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In reality, your choice of an aerospace engineering degree program will depend on a multitude of factors: type of program, available sub-specializations, cost of tuition, fees, location, graduation rate, the average time to graduation, faculty considerations, facilities and resources, and industry connections. Every student goes to school under a different set of circumstances. The top-ranked school in any given list is not necessarily your best school. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, consider what follows as a starting point. Any school on this list would be a great place from which to launch an aerospace engineering career. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Aerospace Engineering College and University Rankings: Top 10 Aerospace Engineering Schools at a Glance<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
School <\/th>\n State<\/th>\n Formats Available<\/th>\n US News Ranking<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
California Institute of Technology<\/td>\n CA<\/td>\n In person<\/td>\n 9<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University<\/td>\n FL<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 10 (Regional Universities South)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Georgia Institute of Technology<\/td>\n GA<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 38<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Iowa State University<\/td>\n IA<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 122<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Massachusetts Institute of Technology<\/td>\n MA<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 2<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Purdue University<\/td>\n IN<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 49<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Stanford University<\/td>\n CA<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 6<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Texas A&M University<\/td>\n TX<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 68<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
University of Michigan \u2013 Ann Arbor<\/td>\n MI<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 23<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
University of Southern California<\/td>\n CA<\/td>\n Online, in person<\/td>\n 27<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

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Aerospace Engineering School Rankings: Best Aerospace Engineering Colleges and Universities<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our selection of the best aerospace engineering schools is based on the national rankings of their aerospace engineering degree programs. Below, you\u2019ll find in-depth overviews of each school and the different degrees offered by their aerospace engineering programs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

California Institute of Technology | Graduation Rate: 92%<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

California Institute of Technology<\/span><\/a> (Caltech) is a four-year private university known for its science and engineering programs, innovative research, and outstanding alumni community. Founded in 1891, its 2,240 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in a wide selection of programs focused on technology.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

California Institute of Technology Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n