Compare 60 Astronautical Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $96,143. Top programs: $125,514+.
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 | $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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
