Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at University at Buffalo

UB's aerospace engineering program lands graduates in the middle of the pack—$69,716 starting out puts them below both the national median ($72,210) and most NY competitors, though the debt load of $24,846 is slightly better than average. In a state with only four aerospace programs, UB ranks 40th percentile, trailing Rensselaer, Clarkson, and Syracuse by $2,000-$4,000 in starting salary. That gap matters in aerospace, where most graduates pursue similar technical roles at established companies or defense contractors.

The earnings trajectory offers some reassurance: four years out, graduates reach $82,061, showing solid 18% growth. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means your child would owe roughly four months of their starting salary—manageable by engineering standards. However, it's worth noting that starting $3,000 below the national median in a field with relatively standardized entry-level salaries suggests UB graduates may be landing at different tiers of employers or requiring longer to break into prime positions.

For an in-state student paying SUNY tuition, this program delivers reasonable value despite the middling outcomes. Out-of-state families should weigh whether the lower starting salaries justify the cost difference, especially when peer schools like Syracuse produce similar results and Rensselaer offers notably stronger placement at just a few thousand dollars more in starting earnings.