Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue's aerospace engineering program starts graduates at slightly below the national median but shows impressive momentum—earnings jump 27% by year four, reaching $91,645. That trajectory matters more than the initial lag, especially in aerospace where career progression often accelerates after engineers prove themselves in their first roles.

The Indiana comparison is worth noting: Purdue trails Notre Dame's aerospace program by about $10,000 initially, and sits at the 40th percentile statewide. However, Purdue costs substantially less to attend (Notre Dame is private), and the $21,500 median debt is actually reasonable for engineering—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30. Your child would owe less than three months of first-year salary, which is manageable even if starting pay feels underwhelming.

The real consideration here is whether Purdue's aerospace name recognition justifies middle-of-the-pack Indiana earnings. The program's strength lies in its growth curve and moderate debt load rather than standout starting salaries. If your child plans to pursue advanced degrees or specialized aerospace roles where Purdue's reputation carries weight, the investment makes sense. But if they're cost-sensitive and planning to work in Indiana after graduation, this data suggests the program delivers solid-but-not-exceptional returns compared to the state's top option.