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If you are interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, you will need to find the right school that can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the best colleges with aerospace engineering programs available in the U.S.
If you are looking for a comprehensive list of colleges that offer aerospace engineering programs, you have come to the right place. This list has been carefully curated to include only the top programs in the country, based on factors such as academic reputation, faculty qualifications, and job placement rates.
Additionally, the list provides a brief summary of the programs, which will help you make a decision based on your preferences. With this list in hand, you will be able to find the perfect college program to kick-start your aerospace engineering career.
Without further ado, check this one out.
The 11 Best Colleges with Aerospace Engineering Programs in the Country
1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, Florida)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is your ticket to the stars! Their Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering program will equip you with the skills needed to conquer the challenges of aircraft and spacecraft design and operation.
For over 17 years, ERAU’s program has soared to the top of national rankings among schools whose highest degree is a Master’s. And after graduation, you will be ready to take off into the workforce, with a remarkable 93% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within a year.
Plus, the program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission by ABET, guaranteeing a quality education.
Click here to join ERAU.
2. The University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas)
Unleash your potential in aerospace engineering at the University of Kansas (KU), a top university in aircraft and engine design education. KU’s Aerospace Engineering students have consistently made waves in AIAA aircraft and engine design competitions, consistently ranking at or near the top.
Plus, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects, with funded programs by major players like NSF, NASA, AFOSR, and the private industry.
And with over $300 million in financial aid awarded annually, and 69% of undergraduates receiving aid, KU makes it easy to pursue your passion without breaking the bank.
Click here to join KU.
3. The University of California – San Diego (San Diego, California)
Unlock the secrets of aerospace engineering at the University of California – San Diego (UCSD) with their four-year program that takes you on a journey through the fundamentals of engineering, from mechanics to thermodynamics and beyond.
Graduates of the program are rocketed into the aerospace industry to design aircraft and spacecraft, but also find success in other fields such as automobile, naval, and sporting equipment manufacturing. Plus, with accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, you will be receiving a top-notch education.
Click here to join UCSD.
4. Penn State University (State College, Pennsylvania)
Get ready for lift-off with Penn State University’s (PSU) baccalaureate program in Aerospace Engineering, a program that’s rocketed to the top with accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Within a few short years of graduation, you will be soaring into exciting careers in aerospace engineering, and related fields where your aerospace engineering knowledge and skills will be in high demand.
At PSU, you will learn the precision of engineering analysis and develop the skills to tackle open-ended problem solving and design, making you ready for the challenges of this exciting field.
Click here to join PSU.
5. Midlands Technical School (Columbia, South Carolina)
Blast off into the world of aerospace engineering with Midlands Technical College’s (MTC) Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering. It is a launching pad for students looking to transfer to a four-year engineering program.
This program is the perfect way to identify your passion for aerospace engineering and take specialized classes in this field. But it is not just about the destination, the journey is also valuable. The classes in this program can be used towards both an associate degree and the first two years of a four-year engineering degree.
And with both full-time and part-time schedule options, you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
Click here to join MTC.
6. University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Experience aerospace engineering like never before with the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering Degree. In fact, it is one of the oldest colleges with an aerospace engineering program in the country.
At UC, you will have the opportunity to get your hands dirty with hands-on training in the fields of fluid mechanics, propulsion, structures, controls, and electronics.
And with over 600 organizations to choose from, including Aerocats, AIAA, and more, you will have the opportunity to customize your experience and make it truly your own. Best of all, international students are welcome to join the program and experience the unique aerospace engineering program at UC.
Click here to join UC.
7. United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Discover the mysteries of the skies with United States Air Force Academy’s (USAFA) aeronautical engineering major. This program will take you on a journey through the fundamentals of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, aircraft structures, materials, and more.
As you near the end of your journey, you will have the opportunity to select your own path with either of the two-course design sequences: aircraft design or aircraft engine design.
And with opportunities to participate in summer research at various universities and companies across the country, you will be able to take your learning to new heights. The rigors of this major will prepare you for a successful engineering and acquisition career in the Air Force or Space Force.
Click here to join USAFA.
8. Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas)
Texas A&M University’s (TAMU) top-notch aerospace engineering degrees is available from undergraduate to graduate level. With a faculty of the finest educators, you will learn the ins and outs of computation and research fundamentals.
In fact, when you look at the biggest aerospace companies around the world, you will see TAMU graduates leading the way. These alumni can attest to how a strong background in dynamics and control, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, and materials and structures sets you up to tackle any engineering challenge.
Click here to join TAMU.
9. The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)
The Ohio State University’s (OSU) aerospace engineering program is a program that takes on the challenges of flight head-on.
With a faculty of experts in the varied disciplines of aerospace engineering, you will have access to a wealth of knowledge that will be brought to life in the classroom and lab through extensive research activities.
As a student of aerospace engineering at OSU, you will take on major classes in flight vehicle dynamics, structure and control, and heat transfer, and also design courses that will test your creativity and problem-solving skills.
Click here to join OSU.
10. Wichita State University (Wichita, Kansas)
Discover the rich history of aerospace engineering at Wichita State University (WSU). WSU is one of the oldest colleges with an aerospace engineering department.
With Wichita’s rich aviation heritage, WSU is in the perfect location to learn about industry giants such as Airbus, Bombardier-Learjet, and Spirit AeroSystems. As a student, you will have access to top-notch laboratories, including those at WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research, which are among the best in the country.
Click here to join WSU.
11. The University of Tennessee – Knoxville (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Reach new heights with the University of Tennessee – Knoxville (UTK) and their Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
And for those looking to take their education to the next level, UTK also offers a five-year BS-MS program for qualified students. This program is designed to help students achieve their Master of Science degree, even if other universities do not accept the courses for graduate credit
With the aerospace engineering program at UTK, you will be prepared to become an entrepreneur or to work in industry, government, academia or a non-governmental organization.
Click here to join UTK.
What’s Next?
Now that you have been introduced to some of the top colleges with aerospace engineering programs in the country, it is time to take action and narrow down your options. Here are three actionable steps to help you make the most of this information:
- Prioritize your criteria: Make a list of the most important factors for you in a college such as location, campus culture, and research opportunities and then compare each school against your criteria. This will help you identify the programs that best align with your interests and goals.
- Get in touch with current students or alumni: Reach out to current students or alumni of the programs you are interested in. They can provide valuable insights into the program’s curriculum, professors, and resources.
- Plan a campus visit: Nothing can replace the experience of visiting a campus in person. Take the time to schedule a visit and explore the campus, attend information sessions, and meet with professors and current students. This will give you a chance to get a sense of the campus culture, the resources available, and the location of the school.
For current students looking for financial assistance to fund their education, UNCF’s scholarships in STEM may be just what you need! With a dedicated scholarship for aerospace engineering majors, you will be able to take off into your future without having to worry about the financial burden.
