To be rooted in the aerospace engineering field requires not just commitment but also the acquisition of knowledge and skills from any of the top aerospace engineering schools in the world.
That explains why men like Neil Armstrong, George Cayley, and Elon Musk are known as the fathers and pioneers of aerospace engineering.
Aside from that, aerospace engineering is a competitive field, and the easiest way to land a good job is by ensuring you get the proper knowledge and skills.
Currently, over 200 schools that offer aerospace engineering exist. You need proper guidance to make the right choice.
This post has compiled a comprehensive list of the top 20 schools worldwide that are good at aerospace engineering degree programs.
We have also included some relevant information about aerospace engineering that will benefit you.
Glancing through the table of contents below first will be a good idea.
What is Aerospace Engineering?
Aerospace engineering is a significant field focusing on designing, developing, testing, and producing crafts. Majorly this field of engineering deals with handling challenges related to space flight.
Aerospace engineering has two major branches that most people apply interchangeably. They include Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautical Engineering.
Though they sound alike, they’re different. Astronautical engineering deals with the science and technology of spacecraft, while aeronautical engineering deals with the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the earth’s atmosphere.
Due to the technicality involved in the engineering field, most fully rooted experts have in-depth skills and an understanding of all this field entails.
With these skills, they design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles and make sure they function. Aside from that, they write the specifications for destructive and non-destructive testing for strength, functionality, reliability, and long-term durability of aircraft and parts.
All and more of these they achieve through the training and skills that they acquired over the years.
What is the Aerospace Engineering Degree Program?
Aerospace engineering is a professional career that requires you to get a degree as a first step toward pursuing it. With the degree program, you can be sure of getting all the training and skills you need to build an exceptional career.
Now talking more about the degree programs, Aerospace Engineering has three majors, which include:
Associate Degree
The Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering program is a two-year degree for engineers with basic engineering knowledge. Fields such as mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering.
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor’s degree programs are higher than associate degrees in aerospace engineering. It’s a four-year program that involves two years of calculus, differential equations, physics, and chemistry and two years of engineering coursework.
If you are going for this degree program at any of the top universities, expect to see the following courses:
- Aerodynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Flight software systems
- Aerospace instrumentation and experimentation
- Aerospace structures
- Aircraft flight dynamics
Master of Science Degree
Graduate students seeking a master’s or doctorate to augment their undergraduate or graduate education can take advanced courses in:
- Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
- System design and optimization
- Structural mechanics and materials behavior
- Aeroelasticity and structural dynamics
- Flight mechanics and control
- Propulsion and combustion
- Structural mechanics and materials behavior
How much does an Aerospace Engineer Earn?
The salary of aerospace engineers differs by country and qualification. For instance, in the USA, aerospace engineering is one of the highest-paying fields. That is one of the reasons most people go for a career.
On average, aerospace engineers in the United States earn around $109,808 per year. The wages range from $68,289 to $176,573.
Mid-level aerospace engineer earnings are $52.79 per hour, which is $109,808 per year. Junior-level aerospace engineer earnings begin at $41.12 per hour, which is around $85,519 per year.
For entry-level aerospace engineers, the salary starts at $32.83 per hour, which is about $68,289 per year.
What are the Best Countries to study Aerospace Engineering?
Studying aerospace engineering at any of the top accredited universities in the world that offer quality programs gives you a better advantage.
That is why, in making a choice, you consider the best place that can be of great benefit. In terms of country, you consider the atmosphere, quality, and several schools that can allow you to choose.
Based on that, we have listed the top five countries that offer aerospace engineering degree programs. They include:
- The United States with 17 schools.
- China with ten schools.
- The United Kingdom with seven schools.
- Italy, with 4 schools and
- Canada with three schools.
What are the Top Schools to Study Aerospace Engineering?
When looking for a degree program in aerospace engineering that fits your needs, ensure that the school you have in mind offers the degree program and academic curriculum you want.
Then, you consider the quality and other features the school has that can help give you the best. Aside from that, you ask yourself questions like:
- Is the school accredited?
- What is the graduation rate?
- Is the student-faculty ratio okay?
- What is the school’s reputation like?
- Are there high employment opportunities
- What is the cost like?
If you get a positive answer to all these questions, then that school is worth going for. But if not, then you might reconsider. So, this will result in you doing extensive research, which we know will be stressful.
Fortunately, we’ve done the vetting for you and have come up with a list of the best 20 schools in the world that are good in Aerospace engineering programs.
In compiling these schools, we consider some of the questions listed above. And these formed our ranking factors.
#1. Beihang University
Address: No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
Founded in 1952, Beihang University is a public research school in China that focuses on engineering and technology. It’s the best aerospace engineering school in China.
Aside from aeronautical and astronautical engineering, its main focus Also covers other fields in natural sciences, high technology, economics, management, the liberal arts, law, philosophy, foreign languages, and education.
Beihang University currently offers 268 academic programs, including 61 undergraduate and 207 postgraduate programs.
Due to this, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #1 best aerospace engineering school out of all schools that offer this degree.
#2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Address: North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332
Georgia Tech is a large public school located in the large city of Atlanta. The Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering boasts one of the country’s oldest and largest aerospace programs. It’s also among the eight schools in Georgia University and one of the best aerospace engineering schools.
Aerospace engineering programs in this school cover area like aerodynamics, aircraft and spacecraft structures, flight mechanics and control, avionics, propulsion, and the design of aerospace systems.
Over 50 degrees in aerospace and aeronautical engineering are offered in this school.
 With a graduation rate of 82% and accreditation by ABET, the school made its way to the top. Due to this, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #2 best aerospace engineering school out of all schools that offer this degree.
#3. Harbin Institute of Technology
Address: 92 West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China
Harbin Institute of Technology is a multi-disciplinary and world-class university established in 1920.
The school majors in engineering, research, management, liberal arts, economy, and law. In terms of popularity, the school is ranked 5th according to U.S. News engineering college rankings worldwide. Also, it’s ranked 2nd among all universities in China.
HIT, as its popularly called, has 20 schools offering over 2,000 undergraduate and 1,900 postgraduate courses for its 40,000-plus student body.
#4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
 Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a large private university situated in the city of Cambridge. It’s another school you should consider if you are looking for a top aerospace engineering school to study.
Different degree programs at various levels are available for national and international students in this school. In terms of popularity, the school was ranked #45 out of all colleges and universities offering aerospace engineering degrees.
With a graduation rate of 94%, a retention rate of 99%, and accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #4 best aerospace engineering school out of all schools that offer the degree.
#5. Stanford University
Address: Address: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
Stanford University is a private research university in California founded in 1885. The University generally aims to prepare students to make meaningful contributions to society as engaged citizens and leaders worldwide.
Stanford’s aerospace engineering school offers undergraduate, Master, Ph.D., and online graduate certificates in aerospace engineering and its related fields. In terms of popularity, the University is ranked among the top five universities in the world.
And considering its high 95% graduation rate, accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and other features, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #5 best aerospace engineering school.
#6. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Address: Address: 500 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
The University of Michigan is a prestigious public school established in 1817. At the University, the school of engineering, which houses the department of aerospace engineering, offers rigorous curriculums for master’s, doctoral and interdisciplinary programs, and classes emphasize project-based learning.
The school is ranked #5 according to U.S. News best Aerospace Engineering school #6 by stats.areppim.com, and #18 by Best Value Schools. Considering the ranking, its 3,247 student enrollment, and 50% graduation rate, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #6 in the list of best aerospace engineering schools.
#7. University of Notre Dame
Address:
© 2022 University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
The University of Notre Dame is among the leading universities established in 1842. This University’s school of engineering offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering.Â
Their programs are specifically designed for students pursuing Ph.D. degree programs covering the following programs: fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, bioengineering and biomedical engineering, robotics and controls, thermal and materials science, and manufacturing computational science.
The school has a high graduation rate of 96%, with ABET as its accredited body. Considering all these factors and its popularity, academicrelated.com has ranked it #7 in the top school for aerospace engineering students.
#8. California Institute of Technology
Address: 1200 E California Blvd. MC 105-50, Pasadena, CA
California Institute of Technology is one of the best schools that is good in aerospace engineering degree programs and its related programs. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that focus on fundamentals in mechanics, research, advanced facilities, and infrastructure.
The school is ranked #4 as the best engineering school and #1 in aerospace engineering. With a 93% graduation rate, a student-faculty ratio of 5:1:1, and accreditation by ABET, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #8 in the list of best aerospace engineering schools.
#9. University of Virginia-Main Campus
Address: Charlottesville, VA, United States
The University of Virginia is a public research university established in 1819. This school offers two higher degree levels in aerospace and aeronautical engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree.
Talking about popularity, the school was ranked #4 out of all colleges and universities that offer aerospace degrees, according to collegefactual.com. Considering the school’s 94% graduation rate, 26% acceptance rate, and ABET as its accreditation body, academicrelated.com has ranked it #9 in the list of best aerospace engineering schools.
#10. United States Naval Academy
Address: 121 Blake Rd, Annapolis, MD 21402, United States
Established in 1845, United States Naval Academy is known as one of the world’s most affordable schools for aerospace engineering. The programs at this school prepare young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S.
In the area of popularity, the school is ranked #1 in top public schools, #2 in highest-earning graduates, and #4 in the undergraduate engineering program. Considering the school’s 90% graduation rate, 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and ABET as its accreditation body, academicrelated.com has ranked it #10 in the list of best aerospace engineering schools.
#11. University of Florida
Address: Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
The University of Florida is a public research university established in 1853. At the University of Florida, the Aerospace Engineering Department offers two distinct tracks in aeronautical and astronautical engineering for undergraduates.
Programs covered encompass all mechanical engineering disciplines, including thermodynamics, structural design and analysis, and materials science.
Considering the school’s 88% graduation rate, its accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and other factors, academicrelated.com has ranked it #11 in the top aerospace engineering schools list.
#12. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Address: 110 8th St, Troy, NY 12180, United States
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private research university founded in 1824. The University has six schools containing 37 departments which aerospace engineering is among. Studying at Rensselaer will help expand your creative vision to make a global impact.
The school offers more than 145 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Considering the school’s 82% graduation rate, accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and other factors, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #12 in the list of top aerospace engineering schools.
#13. University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD 20742, USA · 301.405.1000
This is one of the top schools for aerospace engineering students. The University was established in 1856 as a public research university.
The aerospace engineering programs available in this school offer graduates the in-depth skills and knowledge they need to pursue employment and lifelong learning in the aerospace industry.
U.S. News and World Report ranked the university #22 Top public national university and #50 in In best global universities.
Up to 85% of the students graduate yearly, which is very high. Considering these factors and its accreditation body, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #13 in the top aerospace engineering school list.
#14. Beijing Institute of Technology
This is a co-educational public university located in Beijing, China. The University was established in 1940 as a major research university. This University’s traditional research lies in engineering programs in which aerospace engineering is among them.
According to China Discipline Ranking, the Aerospace Science and Engineering at the University is ranked #5. For this reason and more, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #14 in the list of top aerospace engineering schools.
#15. The University of Texas at Austin
Address: Austin, TX 78712, United States
UT Austin, UT, or Texas, is a public research university that offers students public access to a first-class education and discovery tools. As a top-20-ranked engineering school and the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University has helped many students achieve academic excellence in engineering.
The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. The school has an 85% graduation rate and is widespread. That is why academicrelated.com ranked this school #15 in the top aerospace engineering school list.
#16. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo’
This is another school that is good in aerospace engineering programs. Since 1927 it was established, the school has birthed so many engineering graduates who are well respected today. Talking about Victor Jerome Glover, a NASA astronaut, and Burt Rutan, an aerospace pioneer, to mention a few.
The programs cover different areas in which fluid dynamics and materials science are included. The school has a graduation rate of 75% and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
For these reasons, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #16 among the top aerospace engineering schools.
#17. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Address: Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
North Carolina State University is the top school that any aerospace student should dream of going to. This is because the school ensures that the students experience excellent education. This University’s department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) is the largest in the State and among the largest in the country.
The department offers B.S., MS, Ph.D., and accelerated BS/MS degrees in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. Each year, the school graduates up to 77% of its students. Due to these factors and more, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #17 in the list of top aerospace engineering schools.
#18. University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
Address: 4925 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T6, Canada
This Institute is an advanced research facility for aeronautics and aerospace engineering students. Their programs are designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to all of the basic areas of Aerospace Engineering. And also to help prepare them for careers in the industry.
Moreso, the programs cover highly multi-disciplinary field dynamics and control, structures and materials, and combustion and propulsion, just a few of them. The programs here are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). It’s also ranked #18 in Best Global Universities by U.S. News.
Considering all these features, academicrelated.com has ranked this school #18 in the list of top aerospace engineering schools.
#16. University of Naples Federico II
This is one of the top schools in Italy for aerospace engineering students, established in 1224. It is one of the oldest European universities to be founded by a head of State, the oldest in Italy. Generally, the University offers over 157 courses in 13 teaching areas in which engineering is included.
Note, Aerospace Engineering courses in this school are structured in three levels: Laurea degree in Aerospace Engineering (3 years), Laurea Magistrale degree in Aerospace Engineering (2 years), and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (3 years). Each has its curriculum.
U.S. News ranked this university #89 among the best Global Universities in Europe and $7 in the Best Global University in Italy. Aademicrelated.com has ranked this school #19 on the list of top aerospace engineering schools.
#20. University of Cambridge
The University offers unique degree programs in the engineering field. With the programs at this school, you will be equipped with all the analytical, design, and computing skills that underpin modern engineering practice.
In terms of popularity, this University’s department of aerospace engineering is consistently ranked the highest achieving amongst British universities. Note the Engineering Council accredits the course. Aademicrelated.com has ranked this school #20 in the list of top aerospace engineering schools.
#21. Purdue University–West Lafayette
The deadline for applications to the College of Engineering at Purdue University-West Lafayette is rolling. For Americans and foreign students, respectively, the application fee is $60.
Full-time in-state tuition is $10,842 per year; full-time out-of-state tuition is $29,644 per year; part-time in-state tuition is $348 per credit, and part-time out-of-state tuition is $948 per credit (out-of-state).Â
The doctoral student-to-faculty ratio in 2021 is 5.8:1. There are 390 full-time faculty members employed by Purdue University-West Lafayette’s College of Engineering.
Best Aerospace Engineering Company to Work for.
Here are some of the top Best Aerospace Engineering companies you can work for. Note these companies look out for people with exceptional skills and knowledge in aerospace engineering or its related field.
So for you to fit in, you must be exceptional.
Below are the notable companies
- Lockheed Martin
- Airbus
- Boeing
- General Dynamics
- Northrop Grumman
- SpaceX
- Roll Royce
- Blue Origin
- Reaction Engines
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