Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

UW-Seattle's aerospace engineering program offers something increasingly rare: a top-tier technical degree with minimal debt burden. With graduates starting at nearly $77,000 and climbing to $95,000 by year four, the program outperforms three-quarters of aerospace programs nationwide. More remarkably, the median debt of just $12,000—less than half the national figure for this major—means graduates exit with a debt load they could theoretically pay off in under two months of work.

The earnings trajectory here is particularly solid. That 24% jump from year one to year four suggests graduates are advancing into roles with real growth potential, not plateauing at entry-level positions. For context, starting salaries already exceed the national 75th percentile, placing UW grads ahead of most aerospace engineering programs from day one.

The only caveat worth noting: UW is the sole aerospace engineering program in Washington, so the state-level comparison reflects this program's own performance. But the national standing tells the real story—this is a program punching well above its weight in outcomes while keeping costs remarkably contained. For parents worried about engineering degree debt, this represents one of the better value propositions you'll find.