College ROI

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General

Aerospace Engineering

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Aerospace Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$72,057
Median Salary
$145,746
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
19.0%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $5,829,840
Entry (Early)
$72,057
Median (Prime)
$145,746
High (Prime)
$160,776

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+181k
+773k
+892k
$25k / yr
+91k
+683k
+802k
$50k / yr
+1k
+593k
+712k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
29
24
23
$25k / yr
38
26
25
$50k / yr
64
28
27

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
84%
628%
738%
$50k / yr
0%
273%
328%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate45.8%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Aerospace engineers

17.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$85,747
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$121,455|$134,960
openings
3,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.3%

Software developers

8.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$86,893
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$130,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Engineers, All Other

7.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$82,350
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$123,525|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Management occupations

6.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$85,018
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$170,037|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers

5.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,569
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,614|$210,020
openings
16,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.3%

Mechanical engineers

3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,897|$104,110
openings
17,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.2%

Civil engineers

3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$75,302
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Architectural and engineering managers

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$96,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$169,151|$171,270
openings
14,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.5%

Industrial engineers, including health and safety

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$82,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$98,610|$102,670
openings
24,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12%

Top executives

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$200,000|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical/space engineering.Bachelor's Degree66$83,057 - $138,550
aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical/space engineering.Master's Degree60$95,171 - $165,562
aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical/space engineering.Doctoral Degree35$134,630 - $159,809