Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at The University of Alabama

Alabama's aerospace engineering program delivers solidly above-average outcomes at a reasonable cost. Graduates earn $73,887 in their first year—more than both the national median ($72,210) and the state median ($70,383)—while carrying just $26,787 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means most graduates can realistically pay off their loans within three years of focused repayment, a comfortable position for any engineering graduate.

What makes this program particularly attractive is its combination of accessibility and performance. With a 76% admission rate, Alabama admits far more students than elite engineering schools, yet still produces earnings that beat 60% of aerospace programs nationwide. Among Alabama's four aerospace engineering programs, Tuscaloosa actually edges out Auburn ($68,607) and matches Huntsville's outcomes, despite being less known for engineering. The 9% earnings growth to $80,428 by year four suggests graduates are progressing normally in their careers.

The moderate sample size means these numbers could shift somewhat year to year, but the overall pattern is clear: this is a legitimate path into aerospace engineering without the debt burden or admissions pressure of top-tier programs. For Alabama families, keeping your student in-state at a program that already performs above state and national averages makes straightforward financial sense.