Aeronautical engineering in the USA: A complete guide

Updated on Mar 25, 2025

Summarise or discuss this with AI

 Aeronautical engineering is one of the most highly pursued courses in the USA. From a fantastic curriculum to an impressive job outlook, this field of engineering offers excellent opportunities for students.

Studying aeronautical engineering abroad is a widely preferred choice as international students seek excellent education, research, and facilities to pursue the highly technological and advanced program.

Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!

Educational institutions abroad, especially in the United States, strive to offer every necessity and make sure students receive the finest academic experience.

This article gives you a clear view of pursuing aeronautical engineering in the USA, its perks, eligibility criteria, top universities, intakes, courses, fees, cost of studying, and many others.

Table of Contents

View more...

Overview of Aeronautical engineering in the USA

Course-typeFull-time
Course duration
  • Undergraduate degree: 3-4 years
  • Postgraduate degree: 1-5 years
Course entry requirement
  • Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, and chemistry.
  • Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering or a related specialisation with a GPA of 3.0-3.5 or above.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 84-90, PTE: 65-75, Duolingo: 110
Entrance examSAT: 1320-1500, ACT: 29-34, GRE: Above 300
Work experiencePostgraduate degree: Relevant work experience for at least two years.
Fees range$23,000-$67,000
VisaF1 Student Visa

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Also read: Best courses in the USA for international students

Studying in the US is now simple
Get started with free end-to-end guidance from our expert counsellor

Scope of studying aeronautical engineering in the USA

  • Aeronautical engineering is a highly advanced branch of aerospace engineering that enhances human science and technology.
  • This industry is popular among international students who are passionate about exploring different fields like aviation, spacecraft, and other related machinery.

Aeronautical engineering studies the design, development, testing, monitoring, and production of spacecraft, aircraft, and satellites. The field of study is a part of aerospace engineering along with astronautic engineering.

  • The USA is one of the top study destinations for aeronautical engineering, as the country has some of the finest educational institutions that offer students great resources to support the theoretical and practical aspects of the program.
  • The USA has a well-established aerospace industry with over 5,400 companies across the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for aerospace engineers is expected to rise 6% between 2022 and 2032.

Related Courses

Subjects in aeronautical engineering

  • Maths
  • Physics
  • Aerodynamics
  • Material science
  • Aircraft structures
  • Fluid dynamics
  • Aircraft control
  • Mechanics
  • Propulsion
  • Flight communications
  • Aircraft structure
  • Control engineering
  • Aircraft transportation system

Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!

International student eligibility to pursue aeronautical engineering in the USA

Before applying for aeronautical engineering in any institution abroad, make sure you satisfy the eligibility criteria before submitting your application. Here are the standard requirements to study aeronautical engineering in the USA.

Eligibility criteria to study aeronautical engineering in the USA

Eligibility factorStandard requirement
Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, and chemistry.

Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering or a related specialisation with a GPA of 3.0-3.5 or above.

English proficiencyIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 84-90, PTE: 65-75, Duolingo: 110
Entrance examSAT: 1320-1500, ACT: 29-34, GRE: Above 300
Student visaF1 Student Visa

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Note: The eligibility criteria differ with every program, university, and location. Check the university course page to understand the requirements and prepare your application.

Also read: Upcoming intakes in the USA 2025

Documents required to pursue aeronautical engineering in the USA

Once you meet the basic eligibility criteria, the university will request some documents to proceed with your application. Here are some of the standard documents required by educational institutions.

  • Academic transcripts
  • Application form
  • Entrance exam transcripts
  • CV
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • English proficiency test scores
  • Statement of purpose
  • Admission test results

What are the visa requirements for aeronautical engineering courses in the USA?

VisaCost
F1 student visa$510. This is for the F1 student visa and includes a $350 SEVIS fee, and a $160 application fee.

Data updated as of Jan 2025

What is the cost of studying aeronautical engineering in the USA?

The educational expenses for international students pursuing aeronautical engineering are comparatively high in terms of the program and location. The average cost of studying aeronautical engineering in the USA ranges between $23,000 and $67,000.

Also read: Most affordable cities in the USA for Indian students

Top aerospace and aeronautical engineering universities in the USA

University NameQS World University Rankings 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology01
Stanford University06
California Institute of Technology10
University of Michigan44
University of Texas at Austin66
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign=69
Purdue University=89
Ohio State University208
Arizona State University=200
University of Colorado320
University of South Carolina601-610
Clarkson University851-900
Auburn University951-1000
Saint Louis University951-1000
Kent State University1001-1200

Data updated as of Jan 2025 | Source: QS World University Rankings 2025

A detailed walkthrough of different aerospace and aeronautical engineering courses in the USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

QS World University Rankings 202501
Courses offered
  • BS Aerospace Engineering
  • MS Aeronautics and Astronautics
  • PhD Aeronautics and Astronautics
Cost of studying$29.875-$57,590
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate4.1%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Stanford University

QS World University Rankings 202506
Courses offered
  • BS Aeronautics and Astronautics
  • MS Aeronautics and Astronautics
Cost of studying$55,473-$66,297
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate4%

Data updated as of February 2025

Studying in the US is now simple
Get started with free end-to-end guidance from our expert counsellor

California Institute of Technology

QS World University Rankings 202510
Courses offeredMS Aeronautics
Cost of studying$60,816
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate4%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

University of Michigan

QS World University Rankings 202544
Courses offered
  • BS Aerospace Engineering
  • MS Aerospace Engineering
  • PhD Aerospace Engineering
Cost of studying$26,926-$55,276
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate18%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

University of Texas at Austin

QS World University Rankings 202566
Courses offered
  • BS Aerospace Engineering
  • MS Aerospace Engineering
  • PhD Aerospace Engineering
Cost of studying$31,300-$46,200
Available intakesSpring 2025
Acceptance rate31%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Also read: 5 things you should know about applying to study in the USA

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

QS World University Rankings 2025=69
Courses offered
  • BS Aerospace Engineering
  • MS Aerospace Engineering
  • PhD Aerospace Engineering
  • MEng Aerospace Systems Engineering
Cost of studying$37,524-$41,110
Available intakesSpring 2025, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate60%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Purdue University

QS World University Rankings 2025=89
Courses offeredMS Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering
Cost of studying$29,640-$31,100
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate66.1%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Ohio State University

QS World University Rankings 2025208
Courses offered
  • BS Aerospace Engineering
  • MS Aerospace Engineering
  • PhD Aerospace Engineering
Cost of studying$29,870-$41,300
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate59.3%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Arizona State University

QS World University Rankings 2025=200
Courses offered
Cost of studying$31,449-$44,456
Available intakesMay 2025
Acceptance rate88%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

University of Colorado

QS World University Rankings 2025320
Courses offered
  • BS Aerospace Engineering
  • MS Aerospace Engineering
  • PhD Aerospace Engineering
Cost of studying$37,734
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate80%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

University of South Carolina

QS World University Rankings 2025601-610
Courses offeredAerospace Engineering (M.E./M.S.) STEM designated
Cost of studying$39,700
Available intakesAugust 2025
Acceptance rate62%

Data updated as of February 2025

Clarkson University

QS World University Rankings 2025851-900
Courses offeredBS Aerospace Engineering
Cost of studying$57,950
Available intakesAugust 2025, January 2026, August 2026
Acceptance rate74.6%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Auburn University

QS World University Rankings 2025951-1000
Courses offered
Cost of studying$27,000-$33,000
Available intakesSpring 2025, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate44%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Saint Louis University

QS World University Rankings 2025901-950
Courses offered
Cost of studying$21,000-$43,100
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate70%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Kent State University

QS World University Rankings 20251001-1200
Courses offered
Cost of studying$22,100-$40,799
Available intakesFall 2025
Acceptance rate87.3%

Data updated as of Jan 2025

Also Read: Aeronautics Engineering in the UK

Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!

Career opportunities after pursuing aeronautics engineering in the USA

The field of aerospace has various career options for international students. The opportunities offer rewarding growth and high-paying professions.

The average annual salary of an Aeronautical Engineer is around $130,000. Fresh graduates earn over $101,326, while experienced employees earn $168,400 annually.

Here are some of the top career options for aeronautical engineering graduates in the USA.

  • Aeronautical Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Academic Researcher
  • Academic Lecturer
  • Maintenance Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • System Verification Engineer
  • Flight System Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician

Also read: Top graduate recruiters in the USA

Top employers in the USA for aeronautical engineering graduates

  • NASA
  • Atlas Air
  • SpaceX
  • Boeing
  • BAE Systems, Inc.
  • Rolls Royce
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Raytheon
  • General Electric
  • Northrop Grumman
  • General Dynamics

Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities for masters in aerospace engineering in the USA?

Here are some of the top universities in the USA for aerospace engineering.

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignCalifornia Institute of Technology
Stanford UniversityOhio State UniversityUniversity of Dayton
Arizona State UniversityUniversity of ColoradoKent State University
University of MichiganUniversity of South CarolinaNew York Institute of Technology
University of Texas at AustinClarkson UniversityWichita State University
Purdue UniversityAuburn UniversityUniversity of Hartford

Is the USA good for aeronautical engineering?

The USA is one of the best study destinations for international aerospace aspirants. The country is home to universities offering top-notch education and practical experience required for students to prepare to work in the aerospace industry. The USA provides a platform of opportunities for graduate to start their careers.

Are aeronautical engineers in demand in the USA?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for aerospace engineers is expected to rise 6% between 2022 and 2032. This faster-than-average job growth will pave the way for more opportunities, hence making the USA an ideal study destination for international students pursuing aeronautical engineering.

What are the fees for aeronautical engineering in the USA?

The annual cost of studying aeronautical engineering in the USA for international students ranges between $23,000 and $67,000.

How can I get admission to aeronautical engineering in the USA?

International students are required to meet certain eligibility criteria to pursue aeronautical engineering in the USA. While the requirements differ with every university, here are the basic admission qualifications to pursue aeronautical engineering in the USA.

Educational qualification
  • Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, and chemistry.
  • Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering or a related specialisation with a GPA of 3.0-3.5 or above.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 84-90, PTE: 65-75, Duolingo: 110
Entrance examSAT: 1320-1500, ACT: 29-34, GRE: Above 300

What is the highest salary for an Aeronautical Engineer in the USA?

The highest salary an Aeronautical Engineer can earn in the USA per year is around $168,400.

Can an Indian work as an Aerospace Engineer in the USA?

Yes, Indian aerospace engineering graduates can work in top aerospace companies in the USA. Ensure you have a strong profile, meet the requirements, and prepare well for the job to ace the interview.

How can I become an aeronautical engineer in the USA from India?

Here’s how Indian students can pursue aeronautical engineering in the USA.

  • Research and choose the course and university that suit your requirements.
  • Check the eligibility criteria and ensure your profile satisfies the qualifications.
  • Attend the entrance assessments and English proficiency tests.
  • Apply for the course and accept the offer once you get an admission confirmation.
  • Pursue the course and score good grades. Ensure to get hands-on experience to boost your profile.
  • Search for employment options after graduation and attend interviews to secure a job.

Begin your study abroad journey with Edvoy!

Want to pursue higher education in your desired study destination? Edvoy is here to guide you to have the finest academic experience to study your desired course abroad. We help you choose your preferred course and university and ace the interview in no time! Connect with an Edvoy Counsellor, and begin your journey today!

Tags:
Written By
Edvoy article author

Content Lead | Study Abroad Expert

With a rich background spanning over 6 years in content, publishing, and editorial, Ananya Subramanian contributes to th
...Read More

Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this site solely belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the