Median Earnings (1yr)
$74,992
68th percentile
Median Debt
$20,750
17% below national median

Analysis

University of Cincinnati's aerospace engineering graduates launch their careers earning just above the national median at $75,000, which puts them comfortably ahead of most programs nationwide but squarely in the middle of Ohio's aerospace offerings. At $20,750 in debt—notably lower than both the national and state medians—graduates face a highly manageable debt burden that's just four months of their starting salary.

The program's positioning is straightforward: solid entry-level earnings that grow modestly to $81,000 by year four, competitive with in-state alternatives while costing significantly less in debt than Ohio State or Case Western. Ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio aerospace programs means it's neither a standout nor a disappointment—it's a reliable middle option at an accessible state school with an 88% admission rate. The relatively modest earnings growth of 8% over four years suggests graduates start at a reasonable baseline rather than commanding premium starting salaries that accelerate quickly.

For Ohio families, this represents a practical path into aerospace without the debt load that often accompanies engineering degrees. You're not paying for elite outcomes, but you're getting dependable industry access with financial breathing room from day one.

Where University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$74,992$80,934+8%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$85,509$101,270+18%
University of Southern California$78,980$97,304+23%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$72,062$80,463+12%
Case Western Reserve University$83,639$79,428-5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$74,992$80,934$20,7500.28
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$83,639$79,428$26,4100.32
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$72,062$80,463$25,8530.36
National Median—$72,210—$25,0000.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 37 graduates with reported earnings and 62 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.