Compare 59 Astronautical Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $83,962. Top programs: $109,873+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Astronautical Engineering tells a different story. Across 60 programs, earnings range from $87,463 to $109,873—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Astronautical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $109,873, well above the $84,005 average. But Cal Poly San Luis Obispo follows closely at $101,270, and San Jose State delivers $99,511—proving that strong outcomes aren't limited to the most selective institutions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. MIT graduates borrow $14,768 and face just a 2.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, New Mexico State achieves a 5.8% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $109,873
Strong outcomes ($99,511) with 80% acceptance
2.3% payment burden | Excellent
5.8% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $109,873 | 53 | $14,768 | Excellent | $42,501 | Good | |
| #2 | $101,270 | 113 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #3 | $99,511 | 82 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $97,304 | 43 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Good | |
| #5 | $97,263 | 132 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #6 | $95,516 | 145 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Good | |
| #7 | $95,111 | 74 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Good | |
| #8 | $93,533 | 95 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #9 | $93,464 | 56 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Good | |
| #10 | $92,144 | 220 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $91,645 | 252 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #12 | $91,245 | 103 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #13 | $90,793 | 75 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Good | |
| #14 | $90,670 | 197 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Good | |
| #15 | $90,598 | 38 | $17,095 | Excellent | $10,166 | Excellent | |
| #16 | $90,216 | 61 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Good | |
| #17 | $88,540 | 134 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $88,082 | 79 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Good | |
| #19 | $87,572 | 138 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $87,463 | 73 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Excellent | |
| #21 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $87,182 | 75 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Manageable |
| #22 | $86,315 | 168 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Good | |
| #23 | $86,250 | 71 | $27,000 | Excellent | $29,276 | Manageable | |
| #24 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $85,982 | 27 | $26,000 | Excellent | $39,841 | Manageable |
| #25 | $85,561 | 76 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Good |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
