Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Iowa State University

Iowa State's aerospace engineering program offers solid starter salaries at $75,036, placing graduates above the national median and in the 60th percentile among Iowa programs. With only one school offering this degree in-state, Iowa State essentially owns the market for students who want to stay close to home while pursuing aerospace. The debt load of $26,572 translates to a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary, well below concerning thresholds.

The 9% earnings growth to $81,428 by year four shows steady career progression, and the program's 68th percentile national ranking demonstrates competitiveness against aerospace programs at more selective institutions. Given the school's 89% admission rate, this represents accessible entry into a well-paying technical field without the pressure of elite-school admissions.

The main consideration here is geographic: aerospace jobs cluster in specific regions (think Seattle, Southern California, Texas, Florida), so graduates should expect to relocate. But the debt burden is light enough that moving costs and initial relocation expenses won't create financial strain. For Iowa families wanting their student in a practical engineering discipline with strong job prospects, this delivers exactly what it promises—solid preparation at a reasonable price.