Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Illinois aerospace graduates face an unusual situation: they're beating national averages handily, yet they're actually the *lower-earning* option among the state's two aerospace programs. With first-year earnings of $75,859 versus a state median of $69,514, this might seem strong—until you realize that Illinois Institute of Technology's grads earn $63,169, making UIUC clearly the better in-state choice. The $23,951 median debt is manageable, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32, and graduates see solid 23% earnings growth to $93,533 by year four.

The state percentile ranking of 60th is somewhat misleading given there are only two programs in Illinois. What matters more is the national standing: these graduates rank in the 73rd percentile nationally, meaning they're outperforming most aerospace programs across the country. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a fundamentally sound investment, especially for Illinois residents choosing between limited in-state options.

For parents weighing cost versus outcome, this program delivers what aerospace engineering should: strong starting salaries that cover debt comfortably and clear upward earnings trajectory into six figures. The 44% admission rate means it's competitive but not impossibly selective, making it an accessible path to well-paying aerospace careers.