Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at San Diego State University

San Diego State's aerospace engineering graduates earn $74,375 in their first year—above both the national median ($72,210) and California's median ($71,633) for this program. While it doesn't match the earnings from Cal Poly SLO's top-ranked program ($85,509), it performs solidly in the middle tier of California aerospace schools, landing in the 60th percentile statewide. The 21% earnings growth to $90,216 by year four suggests graduates successfully navigate the industry's entry-level progression.

The financial picture is straightforward: $23,000 in median debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning graduates owe roughly four months' salary. That's manageable for engineering, though slightly above California's program median of $21,305. Given that SDSU admits 34% of applicants and serves a meaningful portion of Pell-eligible students (31%), it's providing solid aerospace outcomes at a relatively accessible price point.

For families weighing in-state options, SDSU offers competitive aerospace training without the premium attached to USC or the admissions gauntlet of the UCs. You're looking at established industry connections in Southern California's aerospace corridor and graduates who launch into careers with reasonable debt loads. The moderate sample size suggests a stable, if smaller, program—fewer classmates, but proven employment outcomes.