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)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,700 | $72,210* | — | $23,656* | — | |
| $17,239 | $69,320* | — | $26,674* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $72,210* | — | $25,000* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Avionics Technicians
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.