Compare 59 Astronautical Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $96,153. Top programs: $125,514+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Astronautical Engineering tells a different story. Across 59 programs, earnings range from $55,338 to $125,514—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The school with the highest-earning graduates isn't necessarily the one with the most recognizable name, which means choosing by prestige alone leaves serious money on the table.
Topping the list, the University of Southern California's Astronautical Engineering program delivers $125,514 in median earnings—well above the $96,153 field average. Close behind, the University of Colorado Boulder posts $116,350 with a 78% admission rate, proving strong outcomes aren't reserved for highly selective schools. UCLA rounds out the top three at $115,706, reinforcing that program-level performance drives results.
For students borrowing independently, UCLA stands out: graduates carry just $14,000 in student debt and face a 2.1% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating meaning loan payments barely register against post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, Cal Poly Pomona leads with a 5.4% combined burden on $31,000 in total family debt, also rated 'Excellent'—delivering $106,171 in earnings at a fraction of the financial risk of higher-debt programs.
Highest program earnings: $125,514
Strong outcomes ($116,350) with 78% acceptance
2.1% payment burden | Excellent
5.4% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $125,514 | 49 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $116,350 | 199 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | Good | |
| #3 | $115,706 | 63 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $115,075 | 164 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #5 | $114,620 | 59 | $14,768 | Excellent | $42,501 | Good | |
| #6 | $111,349 | 68 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $110,956 | 28 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Good | |
| #8 | $107,498 | 106 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #9 | $106,633 | 198 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Good | |
| #10 | $106,171 | 163 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #11 | $106,134 | 46 | $24,000 | Excellent | $31,458 | Good | |
| #12 | $105,171 | 64 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,567 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $104,422 | 97 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Good | |
| #14 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $103,022 | 25 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Good |
| #15 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $102,756 | 77 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Manageable |
| #16 | $102,415 | 215 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Good | |
| #17 | $101,797 | 97 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Excellent | |
| #18 | $100,537 | 96 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Excellent | |
| #19 | $100,173 | 83 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Excellent | |
| #20 | $100,139 | 70 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Excellent | |
| #21 | $99,239 | 51 | $17,527 | Excellent | $12,313 | Excellent | |
| #22 | $99,159 | 112 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #23 | $98,044 | 140 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Good | |
| #24 | $97,332 | 298 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #25 | $97,276 | 120 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
