22 Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in the World

The best aerospace engineering schools have been discussed in this article to help individuals who want to secure or kick-start a career in the sector. Getting a quality education in aerospace engineering is the only way for you to start a career in the sector, the best universities are listed in this blog post for you to choose from.

The aeronautical and aerospace sector has helped the world and made life easier for everyone. Due to this sector, you’re able to travel across the world in a matter of minutes or hours depending on your location to where you are going. Without aerospace technology, going to these places in a matter of minutes and hours takes a lot of hours and even days.

This same sector is how humans are able to do space travels and explorations and make other space advancements.

Over the years we have seen the news and other advancements that show that the aeronautical and aerospace sector is ever important. Besides, it is an exciting field, designing and manufacturing aircraft and spacecraft technologies to make life easier and further space adventures.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field then you must attend a higher institution providing programs in aerospace and aeronautical studies. And because it is a field with high potential many, if not all, countries have institutions that provide the program.

The aerospace engineering program, like all other degrees, comes in bachelor, master, joint or dual degree, and doctorate levels of study.

The program is usually offered in all degree levels so that interested students can go for the degree that suits them most. The bachelor’s degree offers foundational knowledge, while the master’s and doctorate degree offers in-depth knowledge, skill, and research on aerospace engineering. The bottom line is you gain extensive knowledge when you go for the graduate degree program. You can also find some aerospace engineering courses online to improve your knowledge. Without further ado, lets delve straight into the best aerospace engineering schools. At the end of the blog post, several recommendations related to the topic are also given which you may find useful.

Best Aerospace Engineering Schools

Best Aerospace Engineering Schools

Below is the list and details of the best aerospace engineering schools with their admission requirements, tuition fees, and other details.

  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Stanford University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
  • Purdue University
  • The University of Illinois
  • The University of Texas at Austin
  • Texas A&M University
  • Cornell University
  • Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Princeton University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Oxford
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Virginia Tech
  • Harvard University
  • University of Maryland College Park
  • Florida Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Irvine
  • University of Miami

1.      California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California Institute of Technology, popularly known as Caltech, is located in Pasadena, California, United States. It ranks top among the best aerospace engineering schools.

The institution is ranked 4th by the U.S. News for best engineering programs in the world and the aerospace engineering program is ranked 1st in the world. Caltech has a Department of Aerospace that offers Aeronautics and Space Engineering as a graduate degree program and an Aerospace Minor for the undergraduate degree.

The graduate degree (Master’s and Ph.D.) in aeronautics takes one year to complete and consists of a set of five core courses and it requires no research or thesis to obtain the degree. Students whose highest qualification is a baccalaureate degree equivalent to that given by the Institute are eligible to seek admission to work toward a graduate degree.

2.      Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is renowned for its engineering program and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the US and in the world. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that MIT is listed among the best aerospace engineering schools in the world.

The Department of Aerospace and Astronautics is the aerospace engineering school of MIT and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering which takes four years to complete. The graduate degree programs lead to a Master of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Science.

3.      Stanford University

The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics prepares students for professional positions in the industry, government, and academia by offering a comprehensive program of undergraduate and graduate teaching and research. The program is a broad one and allows students the chance to learn and integrate multiple engineering disciplines.

Courses in the teaching program lead to the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Engineer, and Doctor of Philosophy. Undergraduates and doctoral students in other departments may also elect a minor in Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Requirements for all degrees include courses on basic topics in Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as in mathematics, and related fields in engineering and the sciences.

You can apply directly to the Ph.D. program straight from your bachelor’s and don’t have to meet the common requirement of completing a master’s degree first. You’ll also need letters of recommendation, transcripts, application forms, and GRE/TOEFL scores. Stanford University is located in Stanford, California, the United States and its Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world.

4.      Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology, popularly known as Georgia Tech, houses the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. It is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world with a lot of top-ranking numbers in the field.

The undergraduate aerospace engineering program is ranked no. 2 by the US News and World Report, the graduate program is ranked no. 4 by the US News and World Report, and the Daniel Guggenheim School is the top producer of aerospace engineering master’s and doctoral degrees.

5.      The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The College of Engineering at the University of Michigan is renowned for its top-quality engineering programs. The college also offers one of the best aerospace engineering programs in Michigan, the United States, and the world.

The undergraduate program is ranked no. 4 by the U.S News & World Report while the graduate program is ranked 5th by U.S News & World Report. Michigan Aerospace Engineering is a leader in aerospace research and education, covering an expansive array of topics from unmanned air and space vehicles to commercial airliners.

To apply for the aerospace engineering degree program, whether graduate or undergraduate, you will apply through the University of Michigan, College of Engineering. Application requirements are TOEFL or IELTS with minimum scores of 84 and 6.5, ACT or SAT scores, a record of academic achievement, and essays.

The graduate program leads to a Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy. A GPA of 3.6 and a minimum GRE score of 320 are required to get into the graduate program.

6.      Purdue University

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States and it is ranked by U.S News and World Report among the best aerospace engineering schools in the world.

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the department that offers degree programs in aerospace engineering. The degrees offered are MS non-thesis program, MS thesis program, Ph.D. program, combined MS/MBA, and combined BSAAE/MSAA.

7.      The University of Illinois

Established in 1867 and located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, the Department of Aerospace Engineering is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world. Its undergraduate aerospace engineering program is ranked 9th in the world and the graduate program is ranked 6th in the world. The department was established in 1944 by Prof. H.S Stillwell.

Admission requires a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, a GRE is accepted, a minimum TOEFL score of 103, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of reference, and a completed bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field for graduate applicants.

8.      The University of Texas at Austin

The Cockrell School of Engineering is the engineering school of the University of Texas that offers aeronautical and aerospace degree programs in bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world.

It is an interdisciplinary department with teaching and research activities in astronautics, earth-space engineering and science, aviation, energy, robotics, theoretical and experimental mechanics, and computational engineering.

9.      Texas A&M University

The College of Engineering at Texas A&M offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. to give you extensive knowledge and skills in aerospace engineering. The university is among the best aerospace engineering schools in Texas with national and international prestige in aerospace engineering as well as many other disciplines.

The College of Engineering has the finest faculty to educate students in the basics of computation and research fundamentals. With these cutting-edge facilities at your fingertips, you have the opportunity to be involved in hands-on cutting-edge research.

10. Cornell University

Cornell University houses Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering which is one of the best aerospace engineering schools located in New York. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. The graduate degree takes one year to complete while the undergraduate takes four years.

Admission requirements to get into the graduate degree in aerospace engineering are a 3.5 GPA, a quantitative GRE score above 160 (760), and a verbal GRE score above 153 (500). International students must take the TOEFL or IELTS and submit test scores during admission application, official transcripts, and resumes.

11.              Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

 Embry‑Riddle offers a first-rate education to recent high school graduates, working adults, active service members, veterans, classroom students, and online learners. Their Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona campuses feature a traditional residential experience, complete with classrooms and labs, dorms and clubs, sporting events, and performances.

Embry‑Riddle Online and its worldwide campus feature state-of-the-art online technology that offers you the flexibility of learning whenever and wherever you want. Today, Embry‑Riddle enrolls over 34,000 students annually and offers more than 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees,

Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University offers the world’s most comprehensive collection of academic programs focused on aviation, aerospace, business, engineering, and security.  When you earn your degree from Embry‑Riddle, you become part of a network of more than 155,000 alumni who will support you throughout your working life.

12.       Princeton University

The value of service is central to the mission of Princeton as a liberal arts university. It infuses the passions and pursuits of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and is essential to how Princetonians serve the public good. The University has reinforced its commitment to helping students and alumni use their educations to not only benefit themselves but also society more broadly.

They push students, faculty, and alumni to think about how their research, education, and lives will benefit the nation, the world, and humanity, and give them the support and resources to make it happen. Princeton students are driven by the desire to push the boundaries of knowledge and service on campus and around the world. Their Department of Engineering offers an undergraduate and graduate program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The undergraduate program guides students to build fundamental knowledge in key engineering disciplines and develop practical skills in problem-solving and design. The core of the department’s curriculum solid and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, dynamics, control systems, materials, and applied mathematics is combined with the experience of engineering design.

The graduate program defines the frontiers of knowledge in our field by preparing leaders in engineering and applied sciences for careers in academia, industry, and government. Their program emphasizes achieving a fundamental understanding of a broad range of topics, a deep understanding of a particular area, and excellent communication skills.

13.       University of Southern California

USC is a constellation of schools, centers, and institutes where some of the brightest minds, working together in a dynamic and collaborative environment, are leading the way to the future of education and a healthier, more joyful, and more sustainable Los Angeles and the world.

Their faculty inspires, guides, and drives the engines that move the university forward in knowledge and research. With a focus on diverse, multidisciplinary skills and engaging ideas, their faculty embodies the university’s mission. At their department of aerospace engineering, aerospace, and mechanical engineers design and build unique, complex mechanical-optical-electronic (mechatronic) systems, ranging in scale from the International Space Station to microscale electric generators and pumping systems.

14.       University of Oxford

Oxford is a world-leading center of learning, teaching, and research and the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Oxford is a unique and historic institution. As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, it can lay claim to nine centuries of continuous existence.

There are four academic divisions within Oxford University. All have a full-time divisional head and an elected divisional board. Also listed are the Department for Continuing Education, and the University’s Gardens, Libraries, and Museums. Their Department of Engineering Science offers aircraft engineering.

There are more than 26,000 students at Oxford, including 12,683 undergraduates and 13,324 postgraduates. Entry to undergraduate courses at Oxford continues to be very competitive: there are usually only around 3,300 places, and over 23,000 people applied to start in 2022.

The majority of Oxford’s UK undergraduates come from state schools. Over 68% of UK students admitted in 2022 were from the state sector.

15.       University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder is one of only 38 U.S. public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), widely recognized as America’s leading research university.

Their mission is to serve as the state of Colorado’s comprehensive graduate research university with selective admission standards, offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

Their vision is to be a leader in identifying and addressing the humanitarian, social, and technological challenges of the 21st century. Their nine colleges and schools offer 4600+ courses academic courses offered across over 150 fields of study. Their College of  Engineering & Applied Science offers a Bachelor of Science (BS)in Aerospace Engineering (BS).

16.       University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame was founded in November 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C., a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a French missionary order. It is located adjacent to South Bend, Indiana, the center of a metropolitan area with a population of more than 315,000. One of America’s leading undergraduate teaching institutions, Notre Dame also has been at the forefront of research and scholarship.

The aerodynamics of glider flight, the transmission of wireless messages, and the formulae for synthetic rubber were pioneered at the University. Today researchers are achieving breakthroughs in astrophysics, radiation chemistry, environmental sciences, tropical disease transmission, peace studies, cancer, robotics, and nanoelectronics.

Their College of Engineering which consists of five departments offers different degrees in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering namely; Ph.D. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

17.   Virginia Tech

The main campus is located in Blacksburg, Virginia with nine colleges and graduate schools offering 110+ undergraduate majors, 120+ master’s and doctoral degree programs with 8,000 students on and off the main campus and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio The main campus includes 216 buildings, 2,600 acres, and an airport with facilities across the state and around the globe, including a strong presence in Northern Virginia The school is ranked 54th in university research in the United States. Their College of Engineering offers a degree in aerospace and ocean engineering.

18.   Harvard University

What makes Harvard special is their people. Through continued efforts in inclusion and belonging, Harvard has built a community comprising many backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. Harvard is committed to giving back to the places they call home through building and sustaining strong partnerships, providing educational and employment opportunities, and driving research and innovation that benefit their cities and states.

Harvard University is committed to a mission of teaching, learning, and research, shaping a vibrant and shared future for the betterment of our neighbors and communities around the world. We invite the world to pursue scholarships on their campus and in our research centers around the globe.

19.   University of Maryland College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship university and one of the nation’s preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and nearly 400,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., they discover and share new knowledge every day through their renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts, and athletics. They are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus.

Spanning 12 schools and colleges, Maryland offers more than 300 degree-granting programs, many of them ranked among the best in the country. Their faculty includes two Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners, 58 members of the national academies, and scores of Fulbright scholars. Their students, who include the highest achievers in the state and nation, enjoy experiences unique to our location just outside the nation’s capital, including internships, research, and leadership and service opportunities.

20.   Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Tech was founded in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College. It all started as an idea in the mind of Jerome P. Keuper,  a visionary physicist working at Cape Canaveral (now NASA – Kennedy Space Center). Florida Institute of Technology’s mission is to provide high-quality education to a culturally diverse student body in order to prepare students for entering the global workforce, seeking higher-education opportunities, and serving within their communities. The university also seeks to expand knowledge through basic and applied research and to serve the diverse economic, cultural, and societal needs of our local, state, national, and international constituencies.

21.   University of California, Irvine

In 1965, the University of California, Irvine was founded with a mission to catalyze the community and enhance lives through rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service. Today, they draw on the unyielding spirit of their pioneering faculty, staff, and students who arrived on campus with a dream to inspire change and generate new ideas. They believe that true progress is made when different perspectives come together to advance their understanding of the world around them.

They enlighten their communities and point the way to a better future. UCI is a center for quality education that fosters passionate, enthusiastic, and ongoing expansion of knowledge and approaches to scholarship. Graduates are prepared to be global citizens equipped with the tools of analysis, expression, and cultural understanding required for leadership in today’s world.

22. University of Miami

The University of Miami is one of America’s top research universities located in one of the most dynamic and multicultural cities in the world. More than 19,000 students from around the world are pursuing their academic goals at the University of Miami, a vibrant and diverse community focused on teaching and learning, the discovery of new knowledge, and service to the South Florida region and beyond. Established in 1925 during the region’s famous real estate boom, the University now comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in nearly 350 majors and programs.

With more than $413 million in research and sponsored program expenditures annually, the University of Miami is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Only 3 percent of four-year institutions in the nation are invited to join the AAU, which recognizes the breadth and quality of research and scholarship. While the majority of this work is housed at the Miller School of Medicine, investigators conduct hundreds of studies in other areas, including marine science, engineering, education, and psychology.

Conclusion

These are the top best aerospace engineering schools in the world ranked by U.S News World Report and other top-ranking platforms. Follow the provided links below to learn more about specific program requirements.

FAQs on Best Aerospace Engineering Schools

The following are the frequently asked questions on the best aerospace engineering schools in the world and could help in answering some of the questions you have regarding the aerospace engineering field.

What is aerospace engineering?

According to Wikipedia, aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering associated with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronomical engineering.

Where is the best country to study aerospace engineering?

Russia is the best country for aerospace and aeronautical engineering education.

Is aerospace engineering in demand?

Because aircraft are being redesigned to become better, such as lesser noise and better fuel efficiency, aerospace engineers are in high demand to sustain the demand for research and development. In fact, according to a recent survey, the employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029.

How much does aerospace engineering cost on average?

The cost of aerospace engineering varies by school and whether you are an international or domestic student. However, on average, in-state students will pay around $10,500 per year while out-of-state students would have to pay an average of $36,500.

Does NASA hire aerospace engineers?

NASA hires twenty different types of engineers with aerospace engineers being one of the most common.

Which is better aerospace or aeronautical?

Both the aerospace and aeronautical branches of engineering are better. Aerospace engineering is the right place for you if you want to work in the aircraft building industry but if you want to work in the space industry, then aeronautical engineering is the right place for you.

These FAQs should offer you further understanding of aerospace engineering and without further ado, let’s dive into the main subject matter.

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