Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Stanford University

Stanford's aerospace engineering program doesn't come with the earnings premium you might expect from one of the world's most selective universities. Comparable California programs suggest first-year earnings around $72,000—which tracks with the state median but falls notably short of what graduates earn from Cal Poly SLO ($86,000) or even Cal State Pomona ($78,000). At an estimated debt load of $27,000, the financial fundamentals are reasonable, with graduates likely earning enough to manage repayment comfortably. But if your student is choosing between Stanford and its in-state competitors purely on aerospace career outcomes, the earnings data suggests the Stanford premium may not materialize immediately in this field.

The real value calculation here depends heavily on what Stanford offers beyond that first paycheck—the network, the research opportunities, the credential's weight in graduate school admissions or long-term career trajectory. These estimated figures capture only the beginning of the earnings story, and Stanford graduates in engineering fields often see their advantage compound over time rather than front-load in year one. With just 4% of applicants admitted, your student would be joining an exceptionally selective cohort, though whether that translates to higher earnings specifically in aerospace isn't evident from peer program data.

The bottom line: if your student has admission offers from both Stanford and a strong public aerospace program like Cal Poly, the immediate financial return appears similar or potentially better at the publics. Stanford may be the right choice for other compelling reasons, but don't assume the name alone guarantees higher aerospace engineering earnings out of the gate.