Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA: Top Universities & Programs

A Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA equips you with in-depth knowledge of flight mechanics, materials science, propulsion, and avionics, establishing careers in aviation, defense, and space. Top-tier institutions, such as MIT, Stanford, and the University of Michigan, provide students with expert faculty.

In 2022, the U.S. aerospace engineering workforce reached 145,019 professionals, with an impressive average growth rate of 12.1% since 2014. This signals a strong job market and growing demand for skilled graduates in both public and private aerospace sectors.

This blog explores the best universities and programs in the U.S for a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, helping you take the first step toward a high-flying global career to study in the USA.

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA: Overview

A Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering in the USA offers comprehensive training in flight mechanics, materials science, propulsion, and avionics, preparing students for high-impact roles in aviation, defense, and space exploration. These programs span 4 years at institutions like MIT, Stanford, and the University of Michigan.

Below is a snapshot of key program metrics from top U.S. universities:

After a brief overview, let’s explore the benefits of studying a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering in the USA.

Why Pursue a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA?

The United States leads the global aerospace industry, contributing over USD 955 billion (INR 79,742 Cr)  to its economy in 2023 and employing more than 2 million professionals across the aviation, space, and defense sectors. With top-ranking universities and direct ties to organizations such as NASA, Boeing, and SpaceX, the country offers unmatched career opportunities.

Here’s why this degree is a powerful choice:

Here's why studying a Bachelor's in aerospace engineering in the USA is a smart move:

• Top Universities: Institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Caltech, and Georgia Tech consistently rank among the best globally for their aerospace programs. They offer access to world-class faculty, NASA-funded projects, and cross-disciplinary research.
• Strong Industry Connections: Programs often include international internships or co-ops with leading employers such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman, providing students with early career exposure.
• Specialized Study Tracks: Students can choose from subfields such as aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, spacecraft systems, or materials engineering, allowing a deeper focus in high-demand areas.
• Scholarships & Fellowships: Opportunities such as the NDSEG Fellowship, Brooke Owens Fellowship, and Zed Factor Fellowship provide funding, mentorship, and hands-on experience to talented aerospace students.
• Global Recognition & Networking: A degree from a U.S. aerospace program is globally respected and often leads to job offers in both domestic and international aerospace sectors.
• Attractive Salaries: Aerospace engineers in the U.S. earn a median salary of USD 134,830 (INR 1.12 Cr) as of 2024, with strong projected growth in commercial space and defense technologies.

Now that you know why studying a Bachelor's in aerospace engineering in the USA is a wise choice, let's take a look at the top universities offering these programs.

Top Universities For Studying Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA

The aerospace education system in the USA leads, with over 8,668 bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2022, a year-over-year increase of 8.4%. Elite programs like MIT train roughly 2,467 undergraduates, around 55% of whom are engineering majors, fueling innovation with over USD 468 million (INR 3,905 Cr)  in annual sponsored research.

Here are the leading institutions, their flagship aerospace programs, annual tuition fees, program duration, and application deadlines.

In addition to the top-ranked institutions, several other well-known universities offer strong aerospace programs that cater to various academic goals. Let's take a look.

Popular Universities Offering Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA

The United States leads global aerospace innovation, investing over USD 40 billion (INR 3,340 Cr) annually in R&D, and awarding approximately 8,671 aerospace degrees in 2022. With 80+ ABET‑accredited aerospace programs across the country and world‑class facilities, the USA remains a top destination for studying aerospace engineering.

Below is a comparative table detailing the leading institutions offering bachelor’s programs in aerospace engineering:

After exploring the popular universities for students planning to study a Bachelor's in aerospace engineering in the USA, let’s review the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA

The U.S. continues to attract global STEM talent, with a 10% increase in international undergraduate enrollments in the aerospace field. Leading universities generally require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, along with strong performance in physics and mathematics. Over 70% of programs require personal essays and letters of recommendation. 

Standardized tests, such as the GRE and English proficiency exams (TOEFL and IELTS), are commonly required for international applicants.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria and requirements for applying to a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering in the USA:

Once the eligibility criteria are explored, it's time to understand the process for applying to a Bachelor's in aerospace engineering in the USA.

Application Process for Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA

Aerospace engineering is one of the most prominent engineering disciplines in the U.S., with top programs receiving tens of thousands of applications annually. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 52,000 international students applied to engineering undergraduate programs in the U.S. 

With universities like MIT and Georgia Tech having acceptance rates below 10% for aerospace tracks, understanding the application process is critical to success.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the typical application process for a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering in the USA:

• Step 1: Submit Your Application

Apply via each university's online portal (e.g., MIT, Purdue). Expect to include: personal details, transcripts, and program-specific forms.

• Step 2: Upload Required Documents

Submit the following documents:

• Academic transcripts & GPA
• Standardized test scores: GRE (300+ for M.S.), SAT/ACT for B.S.
• English proficiency: IELTS (6.5-7.0) / TOEFL (90-100) 
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
• Resume/CV and optionally research papers or projects
• Step 3: Attend Video/Phone Interviews

Some programs (e.g., Stanford) may request interviews to discuss research interests and fit.

• Step 4: Track Your Application Status

Monitor updates through the university portal and respond promptly to requests for additional information.

• Step 5: Secure an F‑1 Student Visa

After receiving your admission letter and Form I-20:

• Pay the SEVIS fee (USD 350 or approx. INR 30,000)
• Fill out the DS-160 visa application form
• Pay the visa application fee (USD 185 or approx. INR 16K)
• Schedule and attend the U.S. visa interview
• Prepare all required documents: I-20, passport, visa fee receipts, financial proof, SOP, and academic records.

Now that you're familiar with the application steps, let's examine the core subjects and specializations typically offered in a bachelor's in aerospace engineering in the United States.

Curriculum Details for Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA

A Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering in the USA blends strong theoretical knowledge with practical application. ABET-accredited programs require at least 30 credit hours of math and sciences, 45 credit hours of engineering, and a capstone project to graduate at leading schools like MIT and UW.

The table below outlines key curricular components across U.S. programs:

Now that you know about the courses you will study for a bachelor's in aerospace engineering in the USA, let’s determine the costs involved in the program.

Cost of Pursuing a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA

Undergraduate aerospace engineering living costs in the U.S. vary by institution type. Public in-state tuition averages USD 11,260 (INR 9.40 L), while private universities average USD 41,540 (INR 34.68 L) annually. 

Specialized schools like ERAU or MIT often exceed USD 40,000-USD 60,000 (INR 33.40 L - 50.10 L), although financial aid can help reduce costs.

To help you plan financially, here’s a breakdown of the typical monthly cost for studying in the USA for Indian students:

To help manage expenses, Indian students can apply for scholarships and other financial aid options in the USA. Let's break down the available opportunities.

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA: Scholarships for Students

Studying aerospace engineering in the U.S. can be expensive, but many students offset costs via scholarships. The AIAA Foundation awards over 1,300 scholarships annually to undergrads worldwide, while NASA provides 20 two-year aeronautics scholarships with a total value exceeding USD 50,000 (INR 41.75 L).

Let's explore the scholarship options for Indian students to study in the USA:

Internal Scholarships

Many U.S. universities provide generous in-house scholarships for aerospace undergraduates, often based on need or merit. For example, 58% of MIT students receive need-based aid, with a median scholarship of USD 66,663 (INR 55.65 L) during the 2023-24 academic year. Impressively, 39% graduate tuition‑free, and 87% finish debt-free, reflecting strong institutional support through scholarships, grants, and campus employment.

The table below lists the fully funded scholarships in the United States for international students.

Below are some of the most prominent external scholarships and fellowships available to aerospace engineering undergraduates in the USA.

External Scholarships & Fellowships

Many aerospace undergraduates fund their studies through prestigious external scholarships. The AIAA Foundation alone has awarded over 1,300 scholarships totaling USD 161,500 (INR 1.35 Cr) in 2024, with awards ranging from USD 1,250 to USD 10,000 (INR 1.04 L - 8.35 L) per student. 

Here’s a comparison of top external scholarships to study at USA universities for aerospace undergraduates.

After getting a scholarship to study abroad in top universities, let's explore some of the top career paths available after completing a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering in the USA.

Job Opportunities After a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA

Aerospace engineering graduates in the U.S. enter the most in-demand jobs in the USA market, with entry-level roles offering annual salaries ranging from USD 61,000 to USD 143,000 (INR 50.94 L - 1.19 Cr), depending on the employer and specialization. 

Mid-career engineers in design roles earn approximately USD 158,000 (INR 1.32 Cr), with senior positions averaging over USD 205,000 (INR 1.71 Cr) per year. 

Below is a breakdown of key aerospace roles, their average salaries, and INR equivalents.

Source: Glassdoor
Next, let’s explore the top recruiters hiring graduates after bachelor's Aerospace Engineering courses in the USA.

Top Recruiters

Aerospace engineering graduates in the U.S. are highly placed for high-paying jobs in the USA, with major employers aggressively hiring. For instance, GE Aerospace plans to onboard 900 engineers in 2024, thereby expanding its global workforce to approximately 53,000. 

According to Universum, Lockheed Martin ranks as the #1 most attractive employer for U.S. engineering students, followed by SpaceX, Boeing, NASA, and Raytheon. Additionally, NASA recruits approximately 330 engineers annually, many of whom transition into roles with contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed, and Northrop Grumman.

Below is a list of leading aerospace recruiters, their typical job roles, and how to explore part-time jobs in the USA.

Source: Business Insider, Reuters, CAD Crowd 

Let’s explore how upGrad can support your journey toward pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering in the USA.

How Can upGrad Help You Study a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering USA?

Studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in the USA is an advantageous yet competitive path that involves meeting admission standards. upGrad makes this process smoother with end-to-end guidance tailored specifically for undergraduate engineering aspirants.

With upGrad, you gain access to personalized mentorship, from identifying the best-fit aerospace engineering programs and universities to crafting compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and preparing for English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. 

Get started today, book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts to receive tailored support for your aerospace engineering journey in the USA.