Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at University of California-Davis

UC Davis aerospace engineering graduates start with earnings slightly below the national median but significantly lower debt—$19,058 compared to the $25,000 national average. At the 60th percentile among California aerospace programs, this puts UC Davis in the middle of the state pack, trailing Cal Poly SLO and USC by roughly $7,000-14,000 in first-year earnings but delivering a debt load nearly 25% below the California median.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 is exceptional for any engineering program, meaning graduates can expect to earn roughly four times their total debt in their first year. That low debt matters when you consider that first-year earnings of $71,633, while respectable, are about average for California aerospace programs. The 19% earnings growth to $85,561 by year four suggests steady career progression, though some of the state's top programs start where Davis graduates arrive after four years.

For families prioritizing manageable debt alongside solid engineering training, this program delivers—particularly for in-state students paying UC tuition rather than private school rates. You're not getting Cal Poly's immediate earning power, but you're also not taking on the debt burden typical of this field, and your graduate will still be well-positioned in California's aerospace industry.