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.
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
Overview of Aeronautical engineering in the USA
| Course-type | Full-time |
| Course duration |
|
| Course entry requirement |
|
| English proficiency | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 84-90, PTE: 65-75, Duolingo: 110 |
| Entrance exam | SAT: 1320-1500, ACT: 29-34, GRE: Above 300 |
| Work experience | Postgraduate degree: Relevant work experience for at least two years. |
| Fees range | $23,000-$67,000 |
| Visa | F1 Student Visa |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Also read: Best courses in the USA for international students
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
- Aerospace engineering courses in the USA
- Undergraduate Aerospace engineering courses in the USA
- Postgraduate Aerospace engineering courses in the USA
- Doctorate Aerospace engineering courses in the USA
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
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 factor | Standard 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 proficiency | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 84-90, PTE: 65-75, Duolingo: 110 |
| Entrance exam | SAT: 1320-1500, ACT: 29-34, GRE: Above 300 |
| Student visa | F1 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?
| Visa | Cost |
|---|---|
| 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
Related articles
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 Name | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 01 |
| Stanford University | 06 |
| California Institute of Technology | 10 |
| University of Michigan | 44 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 66 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | =69 |
| Purdue University | =89 |
| Ohio State University | 208 |
| Arizona State University | =200 |
| University of Colorado | 320 |
| University of South Carolina | 601-610 |
| Clarkson University | 851-900 |
| Auburn University | 951-1000 |
| Saint Louis University | 951-1000 |
| Kent State University | 1001-1200 |
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 2025 | 01 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $29.875-$57,590 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.1% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Stanford University
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 06 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $55,473-$66,297 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 4% |
Data updated as of February 2025
California Institute of Technology
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 10 |
| Courses offered | MS Aeronautics |
| Cost of studying | $60,816 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 4% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
University of Michigan
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 44 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $26,926-$55,276 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 18% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
University of Texas at Austin
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 66 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $31,300-$46,200 |
| Available intakes | Spring 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 31% |
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 |
|
| Cost of studying | $37,524-$41,110 |
| Available intakes | Spring 2025, Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 60% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Purdue University
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | =89 |
| Courses offered | MS Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering |
| Cost of studying | $29,640-$31,100 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 66.1% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Ohio State University
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 208 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $29,870-$41,300 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 59.3% |
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 intakes | May 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 88% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
University of Colorado
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 320 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $37,734 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 80% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
University of South Carolina
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 601-610 |
| Courses offered | Aerospace Engineering (M.E./M.S.) STEM designated |
| Cost of studying | $39,700 |
| Available intakes | August 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 62% |
Data updated as of February 2025
Clarkson University
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 851-900 |
| Courses offered | BS Aerospace Engineering |
| Cost of studying | $57,950 |
| Available intakes | August 2025, January 2026, August 2026 |
| Acceptance rate | 74.6% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Auburn University
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 951-1000 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $27,000-$33,000 |
| Available intakes | Spring 2025, Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 44% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Saint Louis University
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 901-950 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $21,000-$43,100 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Kent State University
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 1001-1200 |
| Courses offered |
|
| Cost of studying | $22,100-$40,799 |
| Available intakes | Fall 2025 |
| Acceptance rate | 87.3% |
Data updated as of Jan 2025
Also Read: Aeronautics Engineering in the UK
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
Your dream to study in the USA is just a click away! Apply for the upcoming intake 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 Technology | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | California Institute of Technology |
| Stanford University | Ohio State University | University of Dayton |
| Arizona State University | University of Colorado | Kent State University |
| University of Michigan | University of South Carolina | New York Institute of Technology |
| University of Texas at Austin | Clarkson University | Wichita State University |
| Purdue University | Auburn University | University 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 |
|
|---|---|
| English proficiency | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 84-90, PTE: 65-75, Duolingo: 110 |
| Entrance exam | SAT: 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.
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