Aerospace Engineering in USA: Top Universities, Courses & Fees for International Students

Studying aerospace engineering programs in USA prepares you for a variety of professional options from aeronautics and astronautics to mechanical engineering and vehicle systems. Some benefits you get after studying in the aerospace engineering colleges in USA are given below:

• World Class Universities: The United States is well recognised for their quality education, academic excellence, infrastructure, and global facilities. You can find many top universities in USA for aeronautical engineering, most of which are ranked in the QS Subject Rankings for Aeronautical Engineering. Also, the top 10 QS rankings contain 4 US universities.
• Future Opportunities: The demand of aerospace engineer in USA is set to increase with an expected percentage of 6% from 2021 to 2031. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, about 3,800 job openings for aerospace engineers have been projected annually over the decades.
• Median Salary: The median annual salary of an aerospace engineer is 122,270 USD. The lowest 10 percent of aerospace engineers can earn less than 77,440 USD, and the highest 10 percent can earn more than 168,370 USD per annum.

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The course curriculum of aerospace varies with the degree level. The undergraduate courses in aerospace engineering cover the fundamental aspects of the field, whereas graduate programs at the aeronautical engineering colleges in USA cover fundamentals to advanced knowledge of the field. All of these programs and specialisations of aerospace in US universities cover engineering, science and mathematics with the knowledge of analysis and designing of future aircraft and spacecraft. The topics included in aerospace engineering universities in USA are given below:

• Aerospace computer-aided designing
• Engineering materials
• Aerospace flight mechanics
• Mechanical of aerospace structures
• Aerospace dynamical systems
• Applied structure and control systems in aerospace
• Propulsion and system designing
• Aerodynamics algorithms

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Now let's have a look at best aerospace engineering colleges in USA for international students:

The best aerospace engineering universities in USA prepare you for lifelong learning and the attainment of your career goals in aeronautical and in a wide range of other areas. Here we have curated a list of top universities in USA for aerospace engineering courses:

• Purdue University
• Stanford University
• University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign
• Cornell University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Princeton University
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Texas Austin
• University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
• Ohio State University

Now let us go into details of each university one by one:

1.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT has ranked in the top aerospace engineering graduate and undergraduate programs for more than a decade based on various ranking agencies. The aerospace engineering programs of the university build your conceptual understanding of the foundational engineering sciences and professional subjects critical to aerospace. Its master's program begins with research or designing experiences and by SM thesis.

2. University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley offers a modern aerospace engineering degree combining comprehensive topical coverage, technical rigor, and practical relevances. The programs are offered at different levels from the ground up for aspiring students wanting to be leaders in an emerging era of aerospace technologies, including sustainable aviation, space exploration, and autonomous flight.

3. University of Michigan – Ann Arbour

The aerospace engineering programs at the University of Michigan- Ann Arbour emphasize real-life issues that enable the learners to learn the most updated applications of classical engineering technologies. The course spans the entire spectrum of aerospace, from aerodynamics and propulsions to structural mechanics, flight dynamics, and control. The program includes a set of electives that provide a background in all fundamental aspects of the field.

4. California Institute of Technology

The aerospace courses at CalTech are designed for students who are looking to broaden their knowledge beyond their normal major. Its master's degree in aeronautics is a one-year program that provides advanced training in the areas of aeronautics in a range of subjects. The aeronautics program consists of courses totaling at least 135 units, in which at least 81 units must be chosen from fluid mechanics, solid structural mechanics, and autonomy and control.

5. Purdue University

An aerospace engineering degree at Purdue University is offered by the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The course sets the foundation of basic engineering, including statics, dynamics, elementary structures, thermodynamics, and a broad foundation for aircraft and spacecraft design. The program aims to prepare students for careers in aerospace engineering and related disciplines for the undergraduate and graduate aeronautical and astronautical engineering programs.

6. Stanford University

Stanford University houses one of the world’s best aeronautics and astronautics departments. It boasts highly reputed faculty and faculty emeriti and focuses on structural and aerodynamic propulsion along with guidance and control issues of aircraft. Below you can find more information about its courses.

7. University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign

The University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign is another renowned university in the USA for aerospace engineering. The Grainger Engineering School under this university offers Aerospace Engineering programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Below you can find more details about them.

8. Cornell University 

Cornell University is one of the best universities in the US to study aerospace engineering. Its Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering boasts experienced faculty and impressive research facilities. Their courses set the foundation for your career in the aerospace industry by building on core concepts like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, aircraft building, and control systems. Below is more information about these programs.

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9. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the most renowned universities in the US for aerospace engineering. The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering under this university is one of the oldest schools in the country in this field. It teaches the subject with a problem-solving approach and propels you into rewarding careers in top aerospace firms, labs, and government roles. Here are some of the specifics of the program.

10. Princeton University

Princeton University is a prestigious school of mechanical and aerospace engineering. At this school, you can be involved in prominent research in areas like propulsion and energy sciences under renowned faculty. Below you can find more details about its graduate programs.

11. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is one of the most prestigious universities in the country with an elite program in space systems engineering. Its Whiting School of Engineering offers a variety of STEM programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including space systems. Let’s take a look at the program details.

12. University of Texas Austin

The University of Texas, Austin offers elite aerospace engineering programs which are some of the highest-ranked in the country. Here, you have the opportunity to undergo technical and conceptual training under experienced faculty and explore exciting career prospects in aeronautics, astronautics, engineering, and government agencies. Here are some details about its aerospace engineering department.

13. University of Minnesota- Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota offers prestigious graduate programs in aerospace engineering to shape you into a well-rounded individual with technical training and a strong foundation in the subject. The programs offer multidisciplinary education, research experience, and lab training. Here are some more details about the aerospace engineering programs.

14. Ohio State University

Ohio State University has one of the top-ranked aerospace engineering programs in the US. its graduate program develops you to become an expert in aerodynamic measurements, aircraft engine control implementation, supersonic aircraft improvement, and more. Here are some details about the program.

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The eligibility criteria of aerospace engineering colleges in USA will depend upon the level of degree and the type of course you are taking. You must obtain outstanding scores in your previous education to get into the best universities. However, here we have discussed the standard eligibility criteria of the course accepted at every US aerospace engineering universities:

• Academic Qualifications
• English Language Proficiency
• GRE or GMAT Scores
• Student Visa

Let us discuss each requirement below:

Academic Qualifications

The academic qualifications vary for the level of the program. For instance, If you are considering aerospace engineering in USA after 12th, you must have a higher secondary certificate in a relevant stream. The scores in your higher secondary should be at least 70% aggregate.

On the other hand, if looking for graduate programs in aerospace engineering in USA, you must hold either a bachelor's or a master's degree in natural science or engineering. You must have at least a 3.0 GPA or higher in the last two years of undergraduate courses.

English Language Proficiency

If you are an international student, you must submit the results of an accepted test as evidence of your English proficiency. The official scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency within two years of the beginning of admission terms. The minimum scores range are:

• IELTS: 6.0 - 7.5
• TOEFL: 79 - 100
• DET: 105 - 135

GRE or GMAT Scores

GRE or GMAT scores are required for getting into a master's in aerospace engineering in USA. As for the recent semesters, some of the aeronautical engineering universities in USA have waived off the requirements. Submitting a strong GRE score can enhance your application. The competitive score range are:

• GRE: 280-340
• GMAT: 600-675

Student Visa

A US student visa is a must to study at any aerospace engineering universities in USA. Make sure to apply for the visa, as soon as possible to avoid last minute hassle.

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Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you must submit a list of documents in the application. These documents can vary with the university and degree you are applying for. Here we have given a set of documents for the best aeronautical engineering in USA:

• Official Academic Transcripts
• Higher Secondary Certificate
• Letter of Acceptance
• Self Attested Copies
• Test Scorecards
• Work Experience
• Resume or CV
• Letter of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of Financial Resources
• US Student Visa

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The application timeline of aeronautical engineering in USA for international students can vary for bachelor and masters degree. However, the ideal deadlines can be in the fall, winter and summer seasons. You can visit the official website to get your interest in university deadlines. The application process to apply for the university are given below

• First, shortlist all the best aeronautical engineering colleges in USA based on your interest, fees and requirements. Make sure to include the above ones too.
• Now check your course deadlines and fill out the application form if it's available.
• Collect all the documents and meet the requirements to get into aerospace engineering in USA universities.
• Upload all the documents and wait for the admission decision.
• You can also check it in the university admission status.
• Once you are accepted, pay the depositary fees to confirm your seat in the university.

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The cost to study aerospace engineering courses in USA will depend on many factors. But the most important ones determining the costs are the course tuition fees and the living costs. Let's discuss each one below:

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees to pursue a bachelor's in aerospace engineering in the USA range between 27,000 USD to 65,000 USD per year, and for a master's, it is anywhere between 23,500 USD to 55,754 USD.

Cost of Living

The cost of living while studying aeronautical engineering in USA is based on the city and the type of accommodation. The living costs for a single student in USA is anywhere between 1,400 to 2,700 USD per month. It includes other costs like transport, food, bills, and miscellaneous expenses as well.

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The scholarship is the best way to manage the costs of studying in USA.

Many universities in USA offer students some financial aid in the form of scholarships, awards and grants. External sources and alumni of universities also provide scholarships to deserving students. Some of the scholarship you may consider while studying at aeronautical engineering colleges in USA are given below:

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The aerospace jobs in USA for international students after completing studies is immense. Many industries are looking for skilled aerospace engineers who can take the system of a systems approach to designing aerospace systems. Here are some of the popular job profiles of aerospace graduates in USA, along with their average salaries:

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With this we can say the US has a list of many high-ranked universities recognised for its academic and professional teachings. Studying at the top aerospace engineering colleges in USA helps you get exciting career opportunities and develop your networking with top employers and positions for your unique skill sets. However, if you are having difficulty in deciding the right university or course or have any study abroad queries, do connect with our Yocket professionals.