Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Oklahoma State's aerospace engineering program produces first-year earnings about $4,000 below the national median—a notable gap in a field where most graduates start strong. Within Oklahoma, it trails the University of Oklahoma by roughly $4,400, placing it at the 40th percentile statewide. While aerospace engineering typically commands premium salaries, starting at $68,226 puts these graduates closer to the bottom 15% nationally for this major.

The debt picture offers some redemption. At under $20,000, graduates carry about $5,000 less debt than the national median for aerospace programs, resulting in a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means debt equals just three months of gross income—well within comfortable territory. The combination of accessible admissions (71% acceptance rate) and moderate debt suggests OSU provides an on-ramp to aerospace careers without excessive financial burden.

For an anxious parent, the calculus is straightforward: your student gets into aerospace engineering with reasonable debt but sacrifices earning power compared to OU or out-of-state alternatives. If cost and admission certainty matter most, OSU works. If maximizing starting salary is the priority—and your student can gain admission—OU's extra $4,400 annually justifies serious consideration, especially since the debt differential between the two schools is likely minimal.