Compare 15 Astronautical Engineering. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $81,187.
Astronautical Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $57,318 and $97,263—a $40K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 15 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Astronautical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $97,263, followed closely by Illinois at $93,533 and Purdue at $91,645. The average across all programs is $81,187, yet these three public institutions dominate—proof that program excellence trumps overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Michigan graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 3.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. When parent loans are included, Wichita State leads with a 9.3% family burden, showing the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $97,263
Strong outcomes ($91,645) with 50% acceptance
3.6% payment burden | Excellent
9.3% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $97,263 | 132 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #2 | $93,533 | 95 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #3 | $91,645 | 252 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #4 | $83,828 | 70 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $82,719 | 48 | $26,188 | Excellent | $22,488 | Good | |
| #6 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $81,428 | 148 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Manageable |
| #7 | $80,934 | 48 | $21,250 | Excellent | $23,602 | Good | |
| #8 | $80,463 | 69 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #9 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $80,329 | 22 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #10 | $79,428 | 18 | $24,000 | Excellent | $31,458 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $79,301 | 75 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Good | |
| #12 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $78,267 | 32 | $25,000 | Excellent | $34,177 | Manageable |
| #13 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | $76,867 | 62 | $20,500 | Excellent | $14,306 | Good |
| #14 | $74,484 | 26 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Manageable | |
| #15 | University Of KansasPublic | $57,318 | 43 | $21,000 | Good | $32,347 | Challenging |
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 →
