Best Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering colleges in the U.S.

There aren’t many professional fields that offer the same level of excitement as sending a rocket into space or mapping the trajectory of an asteroid from a distant solar system. For students who can’t stop looking up at the stars and wondering what else is out there, a degree in aerospace engineering may give you just the boost you need to kickstart an exciting career. Aerospace engineers design and build rockets, supersonic jets, and even missiles for private firms and federal programs like Lockheed Martin and NASA.

What to Expect as an Aerospace Engineering Major

Students planning to major in Aerospace Engineering should expect a course load of up to 130 credits that builds on foundational knowledge bases like physics, aerodynamics, and propulsion. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels depending on the speed with which students intend on entering the workforce. Students can expect to study topics like manufacturing, research and development, and testing capacity. 

Types of Aerospace Engineering Classes

While every aerospace engineering track is unique, there are some foundational courses that you can expect regardless of which program you enroll in. Here are a few of the most common courses you’ll see in an aerospace engineering program:

1. Physics
2. Aerodynamics
3. Statics
4. Flight Software Systems
5. Instrumentation and Experimentation
6. Structural Engineering

Skills Learned in an Aerospace Engineering Major

Students who enroll in a top aerospace engineering program should come prepared to acquire verbal and written communication, mathematics and problem-solving, and even presentation skills to function in a technical capacity at an engineering firm or government program. Teamwork and collaboration are also essential for students to become successful in the field since working with specialists from multiple disciplines is essential to any aerospace project. 

How Long Does it Take to Get an Aerospace Engineering Degree?

The time it takes to complete an aerospace engineering degree can vary depending on a variety of factors. 

• Bachelor’s programs are typically structured to be completed in a four-year period

• Master’s students typically spend an additional one to two years in the classroom.

• Graduates who pursue PhD programs should expect to spend between three to five years conducting research and developing their dissertations. 

The top aerospace companies and government programs are highly selective, and many of their employees hold graduate degrees that separate themselves from the applicant pool. If you already took some credits at a different institution, you should inquire with the admissions office to determine if any of their credits can be transferred for credit toward their new program. 

For those interested in learning about aerospace engineering in an online setting, it’s critical to understand the format of a course and whether it can be completed in a prescribed timeline or at your leisure. Most online bachelor’s programs in aerospace engineering adhere to a four-year timeline. Before beginning your online degree, you’ll also need to make sure you have the right software, hardware, and technical setup to complete your courses.

Many students may wish to enroll on a part-time basis, which will mean that they will take longer to complete the necessary credits than those who are in school full-time. Students interested in speeding up their time to graduation should consider accelerated programs that offer condensed coursework and more frequent testing. Most accelerated programs condense a four-year curriculum into two years. 

Aerospace Engineering Degree Specializations

Students enrolled in an aerospace engineering degree program can consider a variety of specializations within the degree that focus on a particular area of research. Here are a few different specializations you could choose from within an aerospace engineering program:

• Fluid dynamics
• Materials
• Flight mechanics
• Guidance and Control Systems 
• Aeronautical
• Astronautical
• Controls Area
• Rotorcraft and Vertical Flight
• Space and Technology 
• Space and Entrepreneurship
• Propulsion

How to Get Into The Top Aerospace Engineering Colleges

Students who want to apply to an aerospace engineering program should be cognizant of the steps they need to take to get accepted. 

Admissions advisors recommend spending ample time researching the programs that interest you most, to be clear of all the requirements you need to meet to qualify for a given track. As with most long-term commitments, it is essential to weigh the financial implications of your decision, and the means with which you plan on paying tuition, room, and board. Planning and research should paint a clearer picture of what the future holds, and will give you peace of mind as you make progress with your applications. 

1. Research Aerospace Engineering programs (locally and out of state)

2. Determine admissions requirements 

3. Identify financial implications and opportunities for need and merit-based assistance 

4. Apply 

Admissions Requirements for Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs

Before you apply, be sure that you check all the boxes for a given program. Undergraduate and graduate application requirements vary, so be sure that you possess all the necessary documents and scores before you apply. Below is a list of common admissions requirements for students interested in pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering:

• High school degree 
• GPA of 3.0+
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Completion of relevant AP math and science courses (Calculus, Physics, Astronomy)

How to Get Into The Top Aerospace Engineering Colleges

Students who want to apply to an aerospace engineering program should be cognizant of the steps they need to take to get accepted. 

Admissions advisors recommend spending ample time researching the programs that interest you most, to be clear of all the requirements you need to meet to qualify for a given track. As with most long-term commitments, it is essential to weigh the financial implications of your decision, and the means with which you plan on paying tuition, room, and board. Planning and research should paint a clearer picture of what the future holds, and will give you peace of mind as you make progress with your applications. 

1. Research Aerospace Engineering programs (locally and out of state)
2. Determine admissions requirements 
3. Identify financial implications and opportunities for need and merit-based assistance 
4. Apply 

Admissions Requirements for Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs

Before you apply, be sure that you check all the boxes for a given program. Undergraduate and graduate application requirements vary, so be sure that you possess all the necessary documents and scores before you apply. Below is a list of common admissions requirements for students interested in pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering:

• High school degree 
• GPA of 3.0+
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Completion of relevant AP math and science courses (Calculus, Physics, Astronomy)

Students who graduate from a top aerospace engineering program in the United States will likely come out with strong job prospects. Graduates can choose to work in the private sector or pursue careers within federal programs. Some positions that graduates can entertain include aerospace engineer, professor of aerospace engineering, aircraft designer, and flight control engineer. 

Aerospace Engineering Salary and Career Information

Students who graduate with a degree in aerospace engineering have a variety of exciting careers to explore once they complete their schooling. The list below highlights just a few potential career tracks one could pursue.

Aerospace Engineering Career Paths

Students who graduate from a top aerospace engineering program in the United States will likely come out with strong job prospects. Graduates can choose to work in the private sector or pursue careers within federal programs. Some positions that graduates can entertain include aerospace engineer, professor of aerospace engineering, aircraft designer, and flight control engineer. 

Aerospace Engineering Salary and Career Information

Students who graduate with a degree in aerospace engineering have a variety of exciting careers to explore once they complete their schooling. The list below highlights just a few potential career tracks one could pursue.

Aerospace Engineering Career Paths

Source: BLS

Is a degree in Aerospace Engineering “hard?”

Yes, getting a degree in Aerospace Engineering is not an easy feat, but it can be a rewarding opportunity for those who wish to enter the field. This is a very technical, math and science-heavy degree program. 

What do Aerospace Engineers do?

Aerospace Engineers design and manufacture spacecraft such as rockets, missiles, and interstellar satellites, and work in technical capacities to ensure the operation and functionality of their products. 

How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? 

It can take anywhere from four to eight years to become an aerospace engineer depending on if students choose to pursue graduate-level coursework or enter the workforce after completing their bachelor’s.  

Which degree is best for aerospace engineering?

Students interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering should explore programs in aerospace engineering, as well as general engineering programs. 

Which college has the best aerospace engineering?

There are many colleges and universities with aerospace engineering programs, and students must weigh multiple factors to determine what is the best fit for them financially. From an academic standpoint, Stanford and MIT host the top two programs in the nation, followed by Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Purdue University-Main Campus , and University of Florida in the top five.

Is an aerospace engineering degree worth it?

Getting a degree in aerospace engineering is a worthwhile venture for students interested in using math and physics to design spacecraft. This is a competitive field with opportunities for high returns since most aerospace engineers gross over six figures annually. 

What cities are best for aerospace engineering?

Cities with large aerospace headquarters are the best bet for recent graduates with a degree in aerospace engineering. Some large metropolitan areas that garner special attention include Seattle, Huntsville, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth.