Est. Earnings (1yr)
$72,210
Est. from national median (57 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,656
Est. from national median (45 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 puts aerospace engineering at Rowan in financially comfortable territory—national aerospace programs typically produce first-year earnings around $72,000 with median debt near $25,000, suggesting graduates would carry manageable debt relative to income. The field itself commands strong starting salaries that make engineering degrees among the safer bets in higher education, and Rowan's estimated figures align closely with what neighboring Rutgers reports for its aerospace program.

What's harder to assess is how Rowan's specific program stacks up on outcomes that matter beyond the numbers—internship pipelines, industry connections, or placement rates at aerospace employers. With a 78% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores, Rowan serves a different student population than highly selective engineering schools, but that doesn't necessarily translate to weaker employment prospects in a field where technical competency and project experience often matter more than institutional prestige.

The financial picture looks reasonable based on peer programs, but parents should verify what they can about the program's actual track record: employer relationships, senior design projects, and where recent graduates have landed jobs. Engineering programs vary significantly in quality even when the degrees look identical on paper, and with only estimated data available here, connecting with current students or recent alumni becomes more important than usual.

Where Rowan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Rowan UniversityGlassboro$15,700$72,210*—$23,656*—
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$69,320*—$26,674*0.38
National Median—$72,210*—$25,000*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rowan University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 57 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.