Illinois · Aerospace

Best Aerospace institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

The Aerospace program, formally known as Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, focuses on the development of aircraft and spacecraft. This field combines principles of aeronautical and astronautical engineering,…

Institutions
2
offering CIP 14.02
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
236
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$63,169
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
2
College Scorecard
Median net price
$19,899
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
80%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Aerospace Engineers
$145,720
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Champaign Public · Bachelor's degree
$75,85921585%$23,951
2Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$63,1692175%$19,899$27,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Aerospace Engineers (SOC 17-2011).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+6.1%
Faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~4,500
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$134,830
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionScienceActive ListeningMathematicsSpeaking

What Aerospace Engineers earn in Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
280
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$145,720
median $122,540
Best-paying metro
$148,660
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Related careers

Avionics Technicians
$71,910 avg · 340 jobs
Aerospace Engineers
$145,720 avg · 280 jobs
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Aerospace programs in Illinois.

Which Aerospace program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign tops the list at $75,859. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Aerospace Engineers earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois is $145,720 (median $122,540), across about 280 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Aerospace program?+

The Aerospace program, formally known as Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, focuses on the development of aircraft and spacecraft. This field combines principles of aeronautical and astronautical engineering,…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, science, active listening, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Aerospace Engineers?+

The national job outlook is about +6.1% growth with around 4,500 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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