Compare 8 Astronautical Engineering. programs in the Northeast. Average earnings: $85,210.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Astronautical Engineering tells a different story. Across 8 programs, earnings range from $69,320 to $109,873—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
At the top, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology produces Astronautical Engineering graduates earning $109,873, well above the $85,210 average. But Pennsylvania State University's program delivers $88,540 with 80% acceptance, proving accessible programs can compete with elite institutions on outcomes.
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. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making even premium programs surprisingly affordable.
Highest program earnings: $109,873
Strong outcomes ($88,540) with 80% acceptance
2.3% payment burden | Excellent
9.9% family burden | Good
| 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 | $88,540 | 134 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $85,982 | 27 | $26,000 | Excellent | $39,841 | Manageable |
| #4 | $84,061 | 101 | $23,750 | Excellent | $52,241 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $83,465 | 37 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,567 | Challenging | |
| #6 | University At BuffaloPublic | $82,061 | 101 | $19,000 | Excellent | $20,734 | Good |
| #7 | Clarkson UniversityPrivate | $78,376 | 34 | $26,000 | Excellent | $36,890 | Manageable |
| #8 | $69,320 | 55 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Manageable |
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 →
