The moon landing. Mars exploration. Global positioning systems. All of these were possible thanks to aerospace engineering. Aerospace is more than just flight and space travel. It also includes the workings of the aviation industry, technology that creates weather satellites, innovations that create mobile technology, and much more. This is a cutting-edge sector that needs innovative experts. Are you ready to answer the call and join this industry with one of the cheapest online aerospace engineering master’s?
This database consists of 34 master of engineering degrees from 28 schools. They range in price from less than $10,000 to over $65,000 and come with a wide variety of concentrations, including aerospace engineering, hypersonics, space operations, and space systems. With so many options, aspiring master’s students should have no trouble finding a program that fits their needs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$32,800
Least Expensive In-state: University of Central Florida ~$9,820
Least Expensive Out-of-state: The University of Alabama ~$13,200
You deserve an education that meets your goals and works with your schedule. That’s why we created this database of the top master’s in aerospace engineering programs.
17 Cheapest Online Aerospace Engineering Master’s Programs
Purdue University 
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $13,200.00 | All Students |
3 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,921.00 $37,662.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $16,860.00 | All Students |
5 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | (SC) | $17,678.00 $37,710.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,922.00 $19,642.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $19,099.00 $52,389.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Capitol Technology University | (MD) | $20,220.00 $11,820.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
9 | Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $24,330.00 | All Students |
10 | Iowa State University | (IA) | $24,612.00 | All Students |
11 | University of Kansas | (KS) | $25,500.00 | All Students |
12 | University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $27,495.00 $31,091.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | (MO) | $28,500.00 $23,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 | Auburn University | (AL) | $28,510.00 | All Students |
15 | Colorado State University | (CO) | $29,048.00 | All Students |
16 | Texas A & M University | (TX) | $30,204.00 $46,449.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | (VA) | $30,845.00 $58,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purdue University | (IN) | $34,170.00 $43,770.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Washington | (WA) | $35,310.00 $61,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Georgia Institute of Technology | (GA) | $36,210.00 | All Students | |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | (IL) | $36,384.00 | All Students | |
University of California-Los Angeles | (CA) | $37,800.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado Boulder | (CO) | $37,891.00 $48,391.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Maryland-College Park | (MD) | $41,820.00 | All Students | |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | (MA) | $48,300.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $55,800.00 | All Students | |
Stevens Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $59,940.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $65,944.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of online aerospace engineering programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online aerospace degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online aerospace master’s degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online aerospace engineering master’s degree must be regionally accredited. Programmatic accreditation is also noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Aerospace Engineering Master’s?
Aerospace is a fascinating industry, and with an online MS aerospace engineering degree, you can contribute to this important field. Here are some of the top reasons people choose to enroll in an online aerospace engineering master’s degree:
- Top salary: Aerospace engineers have a median salary of $126,880, while the top 10% earn over $176,280. With a master’s degree, you are more likely to earn a top income.
- An interesting field of study: Aerospace engineering involves the design, development, construction, and testing of air and space equipment, making it one of the most exciting of all industries.
- Advance your engineering expertise: While aerospace engineers generally need a bachelor’s degree, a master’s will advance your career, opening the door for leadership, management, and research positions.
- Future-driven career: The aerospace industry is a growing sector that is expected to thrive as space exploration and global travel become even more prominent.
Online Master’s in Aerospace Engineering: Program Cost
Online aerospace engineering master’s programs have a wide range of prices. In our database, you’ll find 34 programs from 28 schools. These programs range from under $10,000 to nearly $66,000, so you need to be careful and selective when choosing a degree.
The most affordable program is the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Central Florida, which has an estimated cost of $9,820. But there is an important detail: this price is only available to Florida residents. Anyone outside of Florida pays an estimated cost of $34,522, a difference of nearly $25,000.
If you don’t live in Florida, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options. Most notable is the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics from the The University of Alabama, which has an estimated cost of $13,200, a price available to all students. Mississippi State’s Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering is another affordable option; it only costs $16,860 for all students. Old Dominion and Capitol Technology University also have online MS aerospace engineering programs with estimated prices around $20,000 for in- and out-of-state students.
The most expensive school in this database is the University of Southern California. This prestigious private school, based in Los Angeles, offers three MS in aerospace engineering programs. All have an estimated cost of $65,944.
Finding an affordable degree can be difficult, but our database will help you select a master’s in astronautical engineering online that fits your budget.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Aerospace Engineering Degree?
There are many affordable options for these degrees, including 19 options priced below the average of $32,800. But if you are looking for the cheapest online aerospace engineering master’s program from an accredited school, start with these three programs:
#1. University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Cost: $9,829 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With an in-state cost below $10,000, this is the cheapest online aerospace engineering master’s program. The estimated in-state cost of $9,820 is available to Florida residents, but out-of-state students have an estimated cost of $34,552, which is actually higher than the average price in this database.
Regardless of where you live and how much you pay, if you are accepted into this program you’ll learn advanced aerospace engineering principles. According to the school’s website, graduates of this program have transitioned to careers with top aerospace companies, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing. In addition, 100% of program alumni report employment a year after graduation.
This program also provides various tracks to suit your specific interests. Graduates can work in space-systems design, thermofluid aerodynamics, or guidance and control systems.
#2. The University of Alabama
Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics
Cost: $13,200 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
For students from all corners of the country, this is the cheapest online aerospace engineering master’s degree available. The MS in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics from the University of Alabama has an estimated cost of only $13,200 for in- and out-of-state students, creating a world-class online education at an affordable price.
Students in this program can earn their master’s degree through coursework or with a combination of coursework and a thesis. The program encompasses 30 semester hours with classes in orbital mechanics, continuum mechanics, and the dynamics of flight.
#3. University of Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Cost: $15,921 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
In this program, you’ll learn about the principles of aerospace engineering, design, and construction, as well as systems testing and other important subjects for an aerospace engineer. Graduates of the program can identify and solve engineering problems while also using applied mathematical techniques and modern engineering tools.
The University of Florida offers a flexible online platform that gives busy professionals and parents the chance to earn a high-quality degree. It offers student guidance and career support, as well as a large list of resources that make earning a degree even easier.
Degree Program Types
All of these degrees deal with aerospace and engineering in some way. However, there are different types of degrees and a variety of specializations that impact what you learn and what jobs are available after graduation.
The majority of these degrees are master of science (MS) degrees. These programs emphasize scientific research and, although they can help with private-sector career development, they are the top options for students who will pursue a PhD in engineering.
This database also includes master of engineering degrees, which focus on the technical and career skills of professional engineers.
There is also a master of research degree, which leans into research methods. Other options include master of aerospace engineering degrees, which are dedicated to professional skills.
While there are fewer options than in some other fields, there are a few specializations that you can select. Students enrolled in a master’s in aerospace engineering online can choose concentrations in subjects that include:
- Mechanics
- Airworthiness
- Space operations
- Space systems
To select the right program, it’s important to consider your future goals as well as your experience and education.
Accreditation for Aerospace Programs
Accreditation, which is the official process of reviewing and approving schools, is important for students and the academic system as a whole. The largest, and arguably the most important, form of accreditation is institutional. The most widely accepted form of institutional accreditation is called “regional”, because it is completed by regional groups. Examples of regional accrediting groups include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
When enrolling in an aerospace engineering master’s online, it’s critical that you attend an accredited school, as this all but guarantees a quality education. Degrees from accredited schools carry greater significance in the job market, and students at accredited schools are eligible for financial support that may not be available to students at non-accredited schools.
Programmatic accreditation, which covers the individual degree, is also important. However, there is no group that accredits aerospace engineering programs. While ABET accredits a variety of engineering degrees, it does not specialize in aerospace.
For aspiring master’s students, simply focus on institutional accreditation to ensure a high-quality degree.
Typical Admission Requirements
If you are planning to attend graduate school, start planning as soon as possible. This means understanding, and preparing for, the admissions process.
Applying to graduate school, where admission standards are tighter, can be stressful. But rest easy; most applicants with a decent academic background will find a program that accepts their application.
The most basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree, which must related to aerospace engineering in some way. Aerospace and mechanical engineering are two of the most common types.
Many graduate schools require a specific GPA, such as a 3.0 or 2.75, from their students. You will also need a variety of documents. For example, you will likely need at least two letters of recommendation from past teachers or supervisors. It’s best to request these letters as soon as possible so the writers have plenty of time. Most schools also require a statement of purpose, which describes your motivation for completing an online MS aerospace engineering degree.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Entry-level aerospace engineers rarely need certification. However, as your career progresses you may choose voluntary certification. Experienced engineers can complete Professional Engineering licenses, which gives them the authority to oversee large engineering projects and manage other engineers.
Aerospace engineers may choose certification as well. For instance, these professionals can become Certified Aerospace Engineers through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Some aerospace engineers will use their master’s degree to become engineering managers. In this case, experience is often more important than education. The typical minimum experience requirement for engineering managers (as well as other management positions) is about five to ten years. However, this may be reduced if you complete a master’s degree.
Salary and Career Information
After completing an online master’s in aerospace engineering, you’ll be in a great position for a lucrative, high-demand career.
Engineers in general have competitive salaries, but the median salary for an aerospace engineer is among the highest at $126,880. In this occupation, which only requires a bachelor’s degree, the top 10% earn over $176,000. With a master’s degree you are more likely to approach these higher earnings.
Some graduates of these programs will work in management and leadership within the aerospace engineering sector. Engineering managers all types have a median salary of $159,920, with the top 10% earning over $221,000 a year.
Aerospace engineering is a career centered in certain geographic areas. Unlike, for instance, nurses, lawyers, and teachers, who can find employment in every city and county across the nation, aerospace development is often concentrated in certain cities and states.
Two of the leading states are New Mexico and Alabama. New Mexico has the highest concentration of aerospace engineers, with 2.05 for every 1,000 jobs. With ideal flying weather, a large landmass, and an industry-friendly environment, New Mexico is the leading state for aerospace research. Alabama is #2 with 1.95 aerospace engineers per 1,000 jobs. Alabama has a history in U.S. aviation and air defense; hundreds of aerospace-related companies call this state home.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Aerospace Master’s Program?
Finding the right degree can be difficult, but if you have the right education and professional experience, you’ll find an online program that accepts your application.
Use this database to search for degrees that fit your budget, and research various specializations to enhance your aerospace career. Review each program’s schedule and delivery method to ensure it meets your needs, and check out the admission requirements so that you have all documents ready for your application.
With the resources and information from GetEducated.com, you’ll be sure to find the right aerospace degree for your specific needs!