best aerospace engineering schools

Best Aerospace Engineering Schools

Attending the best aerospace engineering schools opens doors to countless opportunities, from interesting careers to advanced degrees. However, rankings alone can’t capture everything that makes a program right for you. That’s why we created this guide — to walk you through the top aerospace engineering schools so you can confidently choose a program that fits your interests.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the best schools for aerospace engineering, what you can expect out of an aerospace engineering curriculum, and potential career options for aerospace engineers. We’ll also go over how to evaluate an aerospace engineering program and decide if it’s a good fit for you and your goals. 

If you’re interested in the best aerospace engineering schools, this guide was made for you! But before we learn more about the top aerospace engineering colleges in the country, let’s define the major. 

What is aerospace engineering?

Aerospace engineering is an exciting, fast-growing field that explores the science of flight and space. As you explore different careers in engineering, you may wonder how aerospace engineering differs from other engineering sub-fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Aerospace engineers develop, design, and test aircraft, satellites, missiles, and spacecraft

There are two primary subfields within aerospace engineering: aeronautical and astronautical engineering (many aerospace engineering colleges will focus on one subfield).

  • Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft within Earth’s atmosphere, such as planes and missiles.
  • Astronautical engineers work with aircraft outside of Earth’s atmosphere, such as spacecraft and satellites. 

Aerospace engineering has many real-life applications, from commercial aircraft and military defense to space exploration and spaceflight. With increased space exploration, and the popularity and necessity of commercial aviation, aerospace engineers can expect to remain busy for years to come

The best aerospace engineering schools will prepare you to work with the common systems used by aerospace engineers, such as airframes, propulsion, avionics, and control systems. Aerospace engineering colleges teach students these systems, ensuring they are ready to enter the workforce by graduation. 

Aerospace Engineering Academics and Curriculum

best aerospace engineering schools

As you explore the best aerospace engineering schools, you may wonder what the academics and curriculum will look like. The best colleges for aerospace engineering provide a robust offering of core classes, as well as specialized electives, allowing you to develop your skills. 

As an aerospace engineering student you can expect:

Classes like calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, physics, statics, and dynamics are considered core courses within an aerospace engineering degree. The top aerospace engineering schools will ensure students succeed in these courses before moving on to an aerospace-specific curriculum. 

In addition to coursework, aerospace engineering colleges also integrate lab work and design studios into their academic programs. Lab work lets students gain experience in running experiments, collecting data, and testing models. Design studios allow students to build systems and machinery, granting them an opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom. 

Additionally, many of the top aerospace engineering schools require students to complete a senior capstone. This type of project requires students to develop their own idea to execute and build over the course of their senior year. Many students will use a capstone project to apply for their master’s in aerospace engineering.  

The best aerospace engineering schools will also make sure students develop skills in software commonly used by aerospace engineers, such as MATLAB, CAD, and CFD. It’s important to note that curriculums may differ among aerospace engineering colleges, depending on their focus on aeronautical vs. astronautical engineering. 

Is aerospace engineering a hard major?

Aerospace engineering has a reputation for being one of the most challenging majors. The best aerospace engineering schools have rigorous coursework and high expectations for their students.

Aerospace engineering is difficult for a number of reasons, including the high-level math courses, heavy workload, and complex concepts. Indeed, many students find general engineering courses challenging; but aerospace engineering’s unique combination of physics, high-concept math, and structural engineering make it even more difficult than other engineering majors. 

Students in top aerospace engineering schools may struggle with time management and heavy courseloads, as well as applying theoretical concepts in the field. With that in mind, the best colleges for aerospace engineering are not for every student. 

Students who are strong problem solvers and have excellent study skills tend to do well at aerospace engineering colleges — but a strong interest in aviation or astronomy is also key. Participating in an aerospace engineering summer program may help you decide if the field is right for you.

With specialized equipment needed, not every college can offer the aerospace major. We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best aerospace engineering schools below, but you can find even more schools to explore here

What can you do with an aerospace engineering degree?

Careers in engineering vary greatly, depending on your specific interests and skills. In general, aerospace engineering colleges prepare students to become aerospace engineers for defense companies and aviation companies, systems engineers, and space and satellite engineers

The best colleges for aerospace engineering will also connect students with key employers in the industry, such as aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, space agencies, as well as startups in aerospace engineering. Popular companies include NASA, Boeing, and Airbus. 

In addition to entering the aerospace engineering workforce, students who graduate from the best schools for aerospace engineering will also enter consulting firms, tech companies, and can even find themselves in finance-based roles. While engineering may feel too niche to pivot to other industries, the best aerospace engineering schools can prepare you for a wide variety of careers. 

What are the best schools for aerospace engineering?

best aerospace engineering schools

For this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best aerospace engineering schools in the country. These are the best undergraduate aerospace engineering schools, set to prepare students for graduate school and the workforce. We recommend comparing this list with schools you’re already interested in and ensuring the programs fit your needs before applying.

All of the aerospace programs on our list are accredited. ABET accreditation signifies that the degree program meets strict technical standards. For certain engineering jobs — especially in government or defense — having an accredited degree isn’t just a plus, but a requirement.

Additionally, we’ve compiled lists of the top aerospace engineering schools in Florida and California. Many students are interested in studying in those states because their locations are quite relevant to the aerospace engineering industry. If you’re thinking ahead to a master’s in aerospace engineering, we’ve also compiled a list of the best graduate aerospace engineering programs.

Top 12 Best Aerospace Engineering Schools

While engineering school rankings aren’t necessarily the most important factor when choosing a school, finding a program with your areas of interest is! We’ve included some information on each school, as well as links to their aerospace engineering programs. Even though these are the best aerospace engineering schools, they may not be the best fit for you and your interests, so be sure to continue your research! 

Here is our list of the top aerospace engineering schools in the United States:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

best aerospace engineering schools

Often considered one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology needs little introduction. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT is a world-famous school specializing in STEM degrees. MIT offers a BS in Aerospace Engineering, with a specialized sub-program in Aerospace Information Technology. 

The Aerospace Engineering program at MIT ensures students have access to cutting-edge technology, with direct connections to aerospace engineering companies. MIT’s program focuses on aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural design and analysis. 

As the school with the most consistent #1 engineering school rankings, as well as the top engineering school overall, it’s no surprise that MIT is one of the best aerospace engineering schools.

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

best aerospace engineering schools

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the top aerospace engineering schools in the country. They offer both a BS in aerospace engineering, as well as a combined BS/MS program for students interested in a master’s in aerospace engineering. 

Georgia Institute of Technology works to prepare students for the experimental, analytical, and design aspects of aerospace engineering. Additionally, they work to prepare students to use their skills across many different fields, including robotics, medicine, and clean energy. 

For students interested in cross-disciplinary study, Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the best schools for aerospace engineering.

3. Purdue University

best aerospace engineering schools

For students looking for aerospace engineering colleges in the midwest, Purdue University is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the country. Located in Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue has one of the best reputations for engineering and STEM majors

Housed within the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue’s aerospace engineering program offers many different subfields and specializations. Students can specialize in aerodynamics, aerospace systems design, astrodynamics and space applications, autonomy and control, propulsion, or structures and materials.

As one of the highest ranking aerospace engineering colleges, Purdue is a great option for students interested in learning a wide range of aerospace engineering topics.

4. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

best aerospace engineering schools

As one of the most popular public schools in the country, it’s no wonder that the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor has one of the best undergraduate aerospace engineering schools. With a unique focus on design and systems, the University of Michigan’s engineering courses stand out. 

The University of Michigan requires students to complete courses in gas dynamics, structural mechanics, flight dynamics, and control systems. As seniors, students take design courses to help them connect all the different engineering disciplines they’ve learned. 

With a robust co-op program, University of Michigan is one of the best aerospace engineering schools for students looking to gain real world experience.

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

best aerospace engineering schools

Located around two hours outside of Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the best colleges for aerospace engineering. With a strong undergraduate honors program, combined BS/MS program, and unique scholarship opportunities, UIUC is undoubtedly one of the top aerospace engineering schools. 

Housed within the Grainger College of Engineering, UIUC’s aerospace engineering program includes a group capstone project during senior year. For students interested in collaboration and team work, this program offers a unique opportunity to work with your classmates. 

As one of the best aerospace engineering schools, UIUC offers plenty of opportunities for students to craft their own educational journey.

6. UT Austin

best aerospace engineering schools

As part of one of the largest public school systems in the United States, UT Austin is one of the best colleges for aerospace engineering. With varied opportunities for undergraduate research, UT Austin has some of the highest engineering school rankings in the United States. 

Housed within the Cockrell School of Engineering, UT Austin’s Aerospace Engineering program shares a department with Computational Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. If you are also interested in a mechanical engineering degree, UT Austin might be a good fit for you. 

As one of the best colleges for aerospace engineering, UT Austin is a great place to explore aerospace engineering and its connections to other fields.

7. Texas A&M

best aerospace engineering schools

Located between Austin and Houston, Texas A&M has one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the United States. With a robust program and unique opportunities for research, Texas A&M boasts strong alumni with roles at the top aerospace companies in the world. 

With a unique honors degree option, Texas A&M students have the opportunity to work one on one with a faculty member on a research project. Students are also exposed to higher-level theoretical concepts that many undergraduates are not. Additionally, students participate in a senior year design course where they design, build, and test an aerospace system. 

Texas A&M’s focus on hands-on experience and student research makes it one of the top aerospace engineering schools in the country.

8. University of Colorado Boulder

best aerospace engineering schools

With a state of the art facility, the University of Colorado Boulder offers students the opportunity to work with the best technology and aerospace systems around. The Aerospace Building on UC Boulder’s campus offers aerospace-specific labs and research space, creating opportunities for students to innovate and design their own projects. 

Housed within the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, UC Boulder’s aerospace engineering program offers a wide range of electives for students to explore. Advanced engineering courses include topics like Air Force Aerospace Studies, Military Science, Chaos in Dynamical Systems, and Space Astronomy and Exploration.

As one of the best aerospace engineering schools, UC Boulder is a great option to consider.

9. Virginia Tech

best aerospace engineering schools

Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Tech is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the Southeast. With a robust engineering program, students can combine their aerospace engineering studies with another discipline, such as a mechanical engineering degree. 

The aerospace engineering program at Virginia Tech is closely related to their ocean engineering program. In fact, students can combine both programs through a double major — a unique opportunity for students interested in both disciplines. 

Virginia Tech is one of the best aerospace engineering schools for students who are looking for a large engineering program, with the option to study more than one specialty.

10. Princeton University

best aerospace engineering schools

As an Ivy League school, Princeton University is often considered one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton’s reputation as a prestigious and rigorous school allows students to access the best engineering resources available. 

Princeton’s program is housed within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department. Students can choose either mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a combined degree program. With a focus on research and experimentation, Princeton’s program is a great fit for students interested in both subfields. 

Given its prestige, Princeton is one of the best aerospace engineering schools for students looking for an Ivy League experience.

11. University of Maryland, College Park

best aerospace engineering schools

Located between Washington, D.C and Baltimore, the University of Maryland, College Park is one of the best aerospace engineering schools for students looking for proximity to government agencies. UMCP’s program is housed within a stand-alone department, with more than 30 professors and faculty dedicated to aerospace engineering. 

Students can pick among a number of subdisciplines at UMCP, including aerodynamics, materials and structures, and propulsion. Many undergraduate students also participate in research and internships. 

With its access to high-value internships and connections to government agencies, the University of Maryland College Park is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the country.

12. Penn State University

best aerospace engineering schools

The last institution on our list of the best aerospace engineering schools is Penn State. With locations all across Pennsylvania, Penn State is one of the most popular public university systems in the United States. 

Penn State’s aerospace engineering program allows students to focus on both aeronautics and astronautics/astrodynamics through project-based activities. Students can also earn a minor in Information Sciences and Technology for Aerospace Engineering, providing a unique focus for students interested in aerospace engineering software. 

With a robust curriculum, well-established campus and program, and wide-range of focus, Penn State is one of the best aerospace engineering schools for students looking for a broad foundation. 

If you’re planning to apply to any of these programs, check out our webinar on Applying to College as a STEM Major.

Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in Florida

Now that we’ve looked at some of the best aerospace engineering schools, let’s look at some top aerospace engineering colleges by state. First, let’s look at Florida, which is home to some of the best colleges for aerospace engineering.

Florida has even been called a “powerhouse in the space industry,” making it an obvious home for the best aerospace engineering schools in the world. To start, Florida is home to the Kennedy Space Center which is where NASA centers most of its operations. The Kennedy Space Center has been an international leader in the aerospace engineering world. It’s been the site of dozens of historic launches and the birthplace of numerous new technologies in the field.

Additionally, Florida has a prime location for space launches. First, its proximity to the equator allows for fuel efficiency. Second, rockets launched from Florida’s Space Coast are also able to fly over the Atlantic Ocean. This lessens the risk of debris falling in populated areas, in the case of a malfunction. These factors make Kennedy Space Center’s Cape Canaveral campus an ideal launch site.

Clearly, Florida’s deeply tied to aerospace through NASA’s Kennedy Space Center as well as its role in US space launches. It’s no wonder it offers some of the best schools for aerospace engineering. Let’s take a look at three of the best aerospace engineering schools in Florida. 

3 Top Aerospace Engineering Schools in Florida

best aerospace engineering schools

University of Central Florida

Among the best aerospace engineering schools, UCF offers students a unique accelerated BS/MS track. This means that students can earn a graduate degree quicker and simultaneously with their Bachelor’s. Students are also highly encouraged to gain hands-on experience in research while studying at UCF. Finally, organizations like the Engineering Leadership and Innovation Institute and Knights Experimental Rocketry can open up valuable connections with alumni and industry partners. 

University of Florida

Students receiving their BS in Aerospace Engineering from UF will graduate ready for the field. UF equips students with strong foundations in math, science, and engineering, as well as specific knowledge in aeronautics and astronautics. At the University of Florida students can also earn a BS/MS degree, meaning credits double-count towards both degrees. Additionally, students can opt to earn a dual degree in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering, enhancing their career prospects upon graduation.

Florida Institute of Technology

With aerospace engineering as its most popular major, Florida Tech certainly earns its spot among Florida’s best aerospace engineering schools. In addition to developing strong foundations in engineering, students will also gain hands-on experience. Florida Tech has state-of-the-art facilities and high-tech labs where students can research and use cutting-edge tools in the field. The school is also located on the Space Coast, a feature that encourages students to make valuable connections that could propel their career. 

While Florida has many of the best aerospace engineering colleges, it’s not the only option. There are plenty of other states where you can develop your skills and prepare yourself for this competitive industry. 

Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in California

California is another influential state in the aerospace industry, and home to some of the best aerospace engineering schools. It has been a center for innovation and research from the start of aviation to modern day spaceflight. The state’s impact on the industry makes it an obvious choice when looking at the best aerospace engineering schools. 

California has a rich historical significance in the industry. In fact, it was the ideal location for early flight testing, which led to huge advances in aviation. Additionally, California was integral in the Space Race; the Apollo rocket was built in Downey, California. 

Today, California remains an important place for aerospace advancements. It is home to many big companies and startups in the industry. Apart from having ideal weather for aviation testing, Silicon Valley has also been integral to technological advances in the industry. 

Being such a hub for aerospace advancement, it makes sense that California houses some of the best aerospace engineering schools. Let’s check out three of the top aerospace engineering schools in the state. 

3 Top Aerospace Engineering Schools in California

best aerospace engineering schools

University of Los Angeles

With both graduate and undergraduate programs, UCLA is among the best colleges for aerospace engineering. In fact, its graduate program ranked at #9 nationwide in 2025, with their mechanical engineering program not far behind at #13. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering aims to educate future leaders in both the “science and art” of aerospace engineering.

California Polytechnic State University

Students at Cal Poly gain a broad knowledge in aerospace engineering, as well as the foundations of engineering, physics, and mathematics. Students have the choice of two concentrations: aeronautics or astronautics. Those who choose to focus on aeronautics will have studies based in designing, building, and testing aircraft. On the other hand, those who opt to focus on astronautics will focus on the understanding of complex space systems.

California Institute of Technology

Although it’s considered one of the best aerospace engineering schools, CalTech offers only a minor in aerospace engineering at the undergraduate level. However, the program would pair nicely with a mechanical engineering degree. CalTech is better known in the industry for its graduate program. The Graduate Aerospace Laboratories of the California Institute of Technology (GALCIT)  has been integral in shaping the aerospace industry. Students who gain their master’s in aerospace engineering at GALCIT will have an elite degree, renowned in the field. 

So far, we’ve looked at many aerospace engineering colleges known for their undergraduate programs. However, there are plenty of aerospace engineering colleges with excellent graduate programs. Many students interested in the best schools for aerospace engineering are also considering graduate school at some point in their future. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best aerospace engineering schools for graduate studies.

Best Aerospace Engineering Graduate Schools

The best undergraduate aerospace engineering schools offer a broad foundation in aerospace principles: thermodynamics, flight mechanics, structures, engineering, mathematics, physics. An undergraduate degree from these aerospace engineering colleges serve as a good base for entry-level engineering jobs. 

However, the best aerospace engineering schools with graduate programs will offer more specialized programs. When you study aerospace engineering at a graduate school, you’ll focus on aircraft and spacecraft design, development, and operation. A graduate degree will be more technical and specialized than an undergraduate degree. 

Many students studying aerospace engineering plan on gaining a master’s in aerospace engineering. An advanced degree can help you advance your career, leading to more responsibility and higher salaries. Let’s take a look at three top aerospace engineering schools with excellent graduate programs. 

3 Top Graduate Aerospace Engineering Schools

best aerospace engineering schools

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It may come as no surprise to see MIT on our list of best aerospace engineering schools. As a leader in technology and engineering, MIT has a top aeronautics and astronautics graduate program. They offer master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates. Graduate students can choose among fields such as Aerospace Computational Engineering, Humans in Aerospace, Space Systems, and Aerospace, Energy and the Environment. There are three degree offerings: Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (SM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or Doctor of Science (ScD). 

California Institute of Technology

We’d be remiss not to mention CalTech’s graduate offerings again in our best aerospace engineering schools. Students interested in a graduate degree from CalTech study in the Lynn Booth & Kent Kresa Department of Aerospace. On a graduate level, CalTech offers degrees in aeronautics and space engineering. Programs at CalTech emphasize research as well as analytical, computational, and experimental methods. As one of the best aerospace engineering schools, CalTech grants prestigious degrees in the field, expanding graduates’ career opportunities. 

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech students study at the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering to earn a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. The graduate program at Georgia Tech is ranked as #1 among publicly-funded institutions. The school also offers a PhD program in aerospace engineering. Uniquely, Georgia Tech also offers an MSAE distance learning option for those who aren’t within the Atlanta area. 

Do I need an aerospace engineering degree to become an aerospace engineer?

To become an aerospace engineer, you don’t necessarily need to earn an aerospace engineering degree. In fact, many aerospace engineers have a mechanical engineering degree, one of the most versatile and in demand STEM degrees. Of course, it’s useful to earn an aerospace degree if you want to work in the field. However, there are other engineering degrees and majors that will allow you to work as an aerospace engineer. 

You might have noticed in our lists of the best aerospace engineering schools that many schools had strong mechanical engineering programs. In fact, a couple even offered dual degree programs between aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering. This is no coincidence — aerospace engineering is largely a specialization within mechanical engineering. Both fields have a significant amount of overlap in their core coursework. 

Another closely related engineering field is electrical engineering. Those who opt for this major may also go on to hold careers in the aerospace industry. Namely, those with electrical engineering degrees might go on to work in avionics, controls, and systems. 

The foundations of mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering are very closely related. So much so, in fact, that if you study one, you’ll likely be prepared for an entry-level role in aerospace engineering. Students in related engineering majors can position themselves for aerospace roles by choosing aerospace electives and gaining hands-on experience. 

How to Evaluate Aerospace Engineering Programs

When choosing the best colleges for aerospace engineering, look beyond engineering school rankings. The best schools for aerospace engineering should meet the following criteria:

Criteria to Evaluate Aerospace Engineering Schools

best aerospace engineering schools

Accreditation

All of our picks for the best aerospace engineering schools are accredited. When researching your top aerospace engineering colleges, make sure that they’re accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Some employers only hire grads from ABET-accredited programs — so going to an accredited school keeps your options open and your future flexible.

Faculty expertise

Look for programs with experienced faculty. Professors with significant contributions to the field will offer valuable knowledge and insight. Ideally, your professors will become your mentors, and you’ll have opportunities to learn and research alongside them. With that in mind, make sure the faculty at your program of interest has pertinent experience in aerospace engineering. 

Research facilities and labs

Research is an integral part of many aerospace engineering courses and programs. Therefore, you’ll want to be sure that you pursue programs with quality labs and cutting-edge technology. Consider the labs, software, and other technical tools available to you when evaluating a program. 

Internships and co-ops

Program partners such as NASA or Boeing can lead to great opportunities for internships while studying. Hands-on experience is important to deepen the understanding of the concepts you’ll be learning. Additionally, it makes you a much more hirable graduate; you may even be hired by a company after interning with them.

Factor in learning style and professional pathways

Apart from these criteria, evaluate how you learn best. Do you do better in small classes or are you comfortable sitting in big lectures? Oftentimes, students feel most supported when in small classes where they can form a more personal relationship with their professors. Consider if your best colleges for aerospace engineering offer small classes with student support. 

Careers in engineering are in demand, but they’re also competitive. Many of the best aerospace engineering schools offer students plenty of opportunities to gain a foothold in the industry, plus an expansive alumni network. Consider programs with career placement programs and valuable partnerships. This can ease your transition from student to aerospace engineer, and connect you more quickly to the career path you want. 

We’ve listed plenty of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world. However, the “best” school for each individual will vary. Consider more than engineering school rankings when evaluating programs. Start with our criteria for finding your top aerospace engineering colleges and go from there.

Choosing the Best Aerospace Engineering School for You

Still not certain on how to determine the best colleges for aerospace engineering for you? We have some more factors to consider when making your decision. 

Considerations to Find Your Best Schools for Aerospace Engineering

best aerospace engineering schools

Academic strengths vs. career goals

You’ll first need to know your academic interests and what kind of careers in engineering interest you. Does the program align with both of these factors? For instance, look for courses, internships, and organizations that provide hands-on experience and knowledge in your field of interest. These will better prepare you and up your odds of gaining a job in your field upon graduation. 

Cost, scholarships, and ROI

Just like all higher education, the top aerospace engineering schools can come with a high price tag. Therefore, consider available scholarships and financial aid offered at different programs. Additionally, consider the return on investment (ROI) of each program. Is it worth it to you to graduate with higher debt but potentially more connections to jumpstart your career? Or do you prefer to have the majority of your schooling funded so as to graduate with less debt and pressure? These are important factors to consider. 

Location and internship access

We mentioned some of the best colleges for aerospace engineering in industry hubs, such as Florida and California. These locations allow students to gain internships with industry leaders, such as NASA or Boeing. Often, the best aerospace engineering schools partner with these organizations and companies for internships. Consider where you want to live, and what type of internship opportunities in the field will be available to you.

School size

Another important factor to consider when choosing your top aerospace engineering schools is the size of the school. Large public universities might offer better research facilities but have larger class sizes. On the other hand, small private schools may have smaller research facilities but offer students smaller class sizes and more personal attention. 

After considering the items above, the best way to decide on the best aerospace engineering schools for you is a campus visit. Talk with current students and alumni to understand what it’s like to live and study there. Alumni especially can give you insight into life after graduation, including starting out and progressing in a career path. 

When choosing your top aerospace engineering colleges, there’s much more than simple engineering school rankings to factor into your decision. While reputation is useful, sometimes the cost is too high at top aerospace engineering schools. A more affordable program with good job outcomes can be a smarter choice than a more expensive one. Remember, the best aerospace engineering schools for you don’t have to leave you in extreme debt!

Best Aerospace Engineering Schools – Takeaways

Throughout this guide, we’ve looked at some of the best undergraduate aerospace engineering schools in the country. We also highlighted a few top programs for a master’s in aerospace engineering, plus the typical curriculum and courses found at top aerospace engineering schools. Additionally, we discussed careers available to those graduating from aerospace engineering colleges. 


Are you thinking about applying to aerospace engineering colleges or just exploring your options? We’ve got you covered every step of the way. Whether you’re eyeing the best aerospace engineering colleges, or other leading STEM schools, CollegeAdvisor can guide you through the entire application process. Grades, extracurriculars, summer programs, and essays all play a role in making your application stand out — and our one-on-one advising helps you make the most of each opportunity.

best aerospace engineering schools

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