MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA: Top Universities, Fees & Job Scope

MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA: Top Universities, Fees & Job Scope

Jasmine Grover logo

Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager

Content Strategy Manager

MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA is a prestigious postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced skills for success in the aerospace industry. The popular specializations of the course in USA include Fluid Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Propulsion Systems, and Structural Design. The programs for Masters in Aerospace Engineering in USA are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Available in full-time, part-time, and online study mode, these programs offer flexibility.

The top universities offering MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA  include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Texas. To be eligible for admission to the program, you must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 – 3.2 (83-87%) in a relevant bachelor's degree. You also must show English Language proficiency through TOEFL scores ranging from 79-100.

The tuition fees for the MS in Aerospace Engineering programs in USA range from USD 13,452 to 89,625 (INR 11.21 -74.73 lakhs). The investment offers strong and beneficial returns, with graduates earning an average annual salary of USD 96,000 (INR 79.99 lakhs). The top recruiters of aerospace engineers in USA are Boeing, Tesla, and Intel. The aerospace sector in USA holds a lot of significance in both military and commercial sectors, playing an important role in global operations. 

MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA: Highlights

Program MS in Aerospace Engineering
Program Type Full time
Program Duration 1-2 years
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in relevant specialization
GPA 3.0-3.2 or an equivalent of 83-87%
English Proficiency Requirements TOEFL 79-100
Tuition Fee Range USD 13,452 to 89,625 (INR 11.21 -74.73 lakhs)
Average Salary USD 96,000 (INR 79.99 lakhs)
Top Employers Boeing, Tesla, Caterpillar, McKinsey, Intel, etc.

Top Universities for MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

Mentioned below are the top universities for Masters in Aerospace Engineering in USA. These universities consistently rank high in national and international rankings for aerospace engineering programs. Graduates from these programs are highly sought after by top aerospace companies and research institutions.

QS Ranking University Program Deadlines
1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1 December 2024
29 University of California, Los Angeles 1 December 2024
58 University of Texas 1 December 2024
64 University of Illinois at Urbana 1 December 2024
97 Georgia Institute of Technology 1 December 2024
116 University of Southern California 15 December 2024
151 Ohio State University 1 February 2024
154 Washington University 1 March 2024
169 University of Maryland, College Park 1 December 2024
179 Arizona State University 31 December 2024
15 California Institute of Technology  15 December 2024
5 Stanford University  11 October 2024
99 Purdue University 30 April 2024
33 University of Michigan  7 October 2024
264 University of Colorado 1 December 2024

What is MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA?

In the USA, universities offering the MS in Aerospace Engineering program focus on two main areas of study, providing students with exposure and expertise to pursue their desired career paths through elective subjects. This program aims to develop students' ability to identify technical problems, analyze them using various approaches (theoretical, numerical, or experimental), and evaluate the results. Students have the option to transition from this program to a doctoral degree by choosing the MS Thesis in Aerospace Engineering track. Additionally, non-thesis programs and online learning options are available.

Specializations:

  • Aerodynamics/Fluid Dynamics
  • Aerospace Control
  • Aerospace Design
  • Aerospace Structures
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Propulsion

Most universities offer the MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA for 2 years. The Aerospace Engineering curriculum typically includes 35 to 40 semester hours of coursework, along with 3 to 5 credit hours of special problem research. Requirements may vary by university.


Why Study MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA?

United States has a dominant position in the global aerospace market.  NASA, Boeing, SpaceX, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, and Textron - are all major players in the aerospace sector. The US heavily invests in aerospace R&D, leading to advancements in areas like propulsion systems, materials science, and avionics. If you plan to study aerospace engineering, USA is the most popular choice as – 

  • Top-ranked institutions like MIT, University of California, and University of Michigan offer aerospace engineering programs in USA.
  • The employment of aerospace engineers in USA is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
  • It can be expected that there will be around 3800 job openings in USA for aerospace engineers every year over the next 10 years.
  • Major industry players such as NASA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin Corp provide invaluable networking opportunities.
  • The USA leads in aerospace technology, offering students access to cutting-edge resources and facilities.
  • Aerospace engineering jobs in the USA are expected to grow substantially, with competitive salaries ranging from $61,198 to $768,592 annually (Payscale).
Parameter MSin Aerospace Engineering in the USA MS in Aerospace Engineering in Canada
Average Salary USD 96,000 (INR 79.99 lakhs) CAD 80,000 (INR 49.12 lakhs)
Duration 1-2 years 2 years
Unemployment Rate 3.9% 5.8%
Top Employers Boeing, Tesla, Caterpillar, McKinsey, Intel, etc. Airbus Canada, Collins Aerospace, Canadian Aviation Electronics, etc.

The USA boasts a much larger and more well-funded aerospace industry compared to Canada. This translates to a wider range of companies, research opportunities, and potentially more job openings upon graduation. Major players like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and NASA are all headquartered in the US, offering exciting prospects for aspiring engineers.


Admissions to MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

To apply to USA universities, international students need to fulfil the Masters in Aerospace Engineering requirements. The academic and other requirements for the program admission are mentioned in this section.

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

You must fulfill the below-mentioned eligibility criteria for admission to MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA –  

  • You must have scored a GPA of 3.0 -3.2 or 83-87% in a bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related field.
  • You must submit English language proficiency scores of TOEFL 79-100, etc.
  • F1 Student Study Visa
  • GRE score (Optional)
  • Valid Passport
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose

MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA – University Requirements

Students must score a GPA of 3.0 – 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. You must also have valid English language proficiency scores of TOEFL 79-103.

University TOEFL iBT IELTS
University of California, Los Angeles 87 7.0
Georgia Institute of Technology 90 7.0
University of Texas 84 6.5
University of Illinois 79 6.5
Washington University 90 6.5
University of Southern California 90 6.5
Ohio State University 79 7.0
University of Maryland 96 7.0
University of California, Irvine 80 7.0
Purdue University 80 6.5

Cost of Studying MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

The cost of studying Masters in Aerospace Engineering in USA involves two categories - tuition fees and cost of living. To study MS in Aerospace Engineering in the USA, you must pay USD 13,452 to 89,625 (INR 11.21 -74.73 lakhs) as tuition fee. The cost of living in the US is around USD 31,376 (INR 26.14 lakhs). Therefore, total cost of study in the USA for an MS in Aerospace Engineering is around USD 44,828 to 1,21,001 (INR 37.37 lakhs to 10.0 million)

Tuition Fees for MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

The tuition fees for a Master of Aerospace Engineering in USA range from INR 11 Lakhs to 74 Lakhs. The table below shows the tuition fees for the top universities.

University Tuition Fee (USD) Fee for Indian Students (INR)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 89,625 74.73 lakhs
University of California, Los Angeles 33,238 27.71 lakhs
University of Texas 60,918 50.79 lakhs
University of Illinois at Urbana 38,276 31.91 lakhs
Georgia Institute of Technology 29,140 24.29 lakhs
University of Southern California 43,632 36.38 lakhs
Ohio State University 13,452 11.21 lakhs
Washington University 64,500 53.78 lakhs
University of Maryland, College Park 17,591 14.66 lakhs
Arizona State University 28,890 24.08 lakhs

MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

Cost of Living in USA

The cost of living varies with the state as well as the type of student housing in USA, living standards, etc. Some common expenses also need to be considered as living expenses in the USA.

Expense Type Average Annual Expense (USD) Cost for Indian Students (INR)
Housing and Food 21,130 17.60 lakhs
Transportation 2,174 1.81 lakhs
Health Insurance 2,701 2.25 lakhs
Personal Expenses 5,371 4.47 lakhs
Total 31,376 26.14 lakhs

For international students, obtaining a student visa can be costly. The most common type, the F-1 visa, requires filling out an I-20 form and demonstrating enrollment in a US-accredited institution. Additionally, proof of financial support is necessary. Indian students may incur a SEVIS fee of around USD 350 (INR 27,171) plus a visa application fee of USD 160 (INR 12,419).


Scholarships for MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

Various scholarships for master's students are available through universities in USA or even private agencies and organizations. The table below shows some of the international scholarships to study MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA.

Scholarship Awarded by Eligibility Award Value (USD)
Graduate Student Scholarship Competition ASHFoundation Students enrolled in graduate, masters, or doctoral program 5,000
Graduate Research Aide Appointments Argonne National Laboratory Students working on masters thesis and have secured a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale Varies 
Deans Scholarship University of Southern California Students enrolled in a masters course USD 5,000-20,000
Global Engineers Scholarship University of Southern California International students enrolled in a masters course 50% of tuition fees

Jobs after MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA

High academic achievers are offered placements by top aerospace companies such as NASA, Boeing, etc. The salary of entry-level engineers is also great. Job roles in Aerospace Engineering along with their average annual salaries are mentioned below.

Job Role Average Annual Salary (USD) Average Annual Salary (INR)
Aerospace Engineer 93,279 77.73 lakhs
Aircraft Technician 51,661 43.08 lakhs
Aeronautical Engineer 115,000 95.89 lakhs
Mechanical Engineer 88,091 73.40 lakhs
Aircraft Designer 71,257 59.42 lakhs
Data Processing Manager 123,795 1.03 crores
Inspector or Compliance Officer 75,012 62.55 lakhs
Senior System Engineer 1,17,008 97.49 lakhs
Aerospace System Engineer 91,519 76.25 lakhs
Test Engineer 89,434 74.52 lakhs
Senior Mechanical Engineer 1,09,693 91.40 lakhs

After completing an MS in Aerospace Engineering in the USA, obtaining a work permit typically involves applying for an H1B visa, which allows temporary employment in speciality occupations. Additionally, F1 student visa holders may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing up to one year of employment related to their academic degree.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters of MS in Aerospace Engineering graduates in USA include – 

Company Average Salary (USD) Salary for Indian Students (INR)
Boeing 93,139 77.60 lakhs
Tesla 1,05,628 88.01 lakhs
Caterpillar 90,000 74.99 lakhs
McKinsey 99,509 82.91 lakhs
Intel 1,03,520 86.25 lakhs

MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA: Return on Investment

The tuition fees for masters in aerospace engineering in USA can seem to be a huge investment but the universities make it worth investing. Here is the ROI of some universities in USA.

University Total Tuition Fee (USD) Average Graduate Salary (USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 89,625 1,20,000
University of California, Los Angeles 33,238 89,000
University of Texas 60,918 83,000
University of Illinois at Urbana 38,276 74,974
Georgia Institute of Technology 29,140 96,000
University of Southern California 43,632 93,000
Ohio State University 13,452 77,000
You can start working as an Aerospace Engineer immediately after getting a degree in an entry-level position. However, for further advancement in career, a Professional Engineering (PE) license is required. The process of acquiring this licence is as follows:
  • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The title of Engineer in Training (EIT) is given to them after passing this exam.
  • Complete 4 years of on-the-job training.
  • Pass the PE exam.

With an unemployment rate of just 3.9%, students can work in the core field of Aerospace Engineering in the USA. After completing an MS in Aerospace Engineering in the USA, you can go on to pursue careers as an engineer, scientist, inventor, astronaut, or administrator. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Is Aerospace Engineering in demand in USA?

Ans: According to US Labour Statistics, it is estimated that there will be a 6% increase in employment for aerospace engineers. So the demand for aerospace engineering will be increasing over the next few years.

Ques: Is MS in Aerospace Engineering worth it?

Ans: Masters in Aerospace Engineering is a graduate program that leads to different opportunities such as doing research as a Ph.D. program or taking up job opportunities with good salary packages. The role of an aerospace engineer is highly respected and demanded.

Ques: Which country is best for studying Aerospace Engineering?

Ans: USA is one of the best countries in the world to study Aerospace Engineering as it has a high-quality academic system and top universities in the world.

  • The USA has an unemployment rate of only 3.9%
  • Students can earn an average salary of around 88,091 to 1,17,008 (73.40-97.49 lakhs) based on various top employers
  • Top employers including Boeing, Tesla, Caterpillar, McKinsey, Intel, etc. offer employment to graduates

Ques: What is the biggest aerospace company in USA?

Ans: The Boeing Company is the biggest aerospace company in the world. It is a manufacturing company for commercial and military aircraft, defence, space, and security products and systems.

Ques: Is MS in Aerospace Engineering available without GRE in USA?

Ans: Post the COVID-19 pandemic many universities in the USA have removed the GRE requirements for students. Universities such as Georgia Tech and the University of Southern California do not require candidates to submit the GRE scores for MS in Aerospace Engineering.

Ques. How much does it cost to do an MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA?

Ans. It costs around USD 13,452 to 89,625 (INR 11.21 -74.73 lakhs) for an MS in Aerospace Engineering in the USA. The cost is based on various top universities offering the course.

Ques. Which university is best for MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA?

Ans. MS in Aerospace is offered by various top universities in the USA ranked by QS World. These universities include. 

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Texas
  • University of Illinois at Urbana

Ques. What are the requirements for MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA?

Ans. You must fulfill the below requirements for an MS in Aerospace Engineering in USA.

  • A GPA of 3.0-3.2 or an equivalent of 83-87% in bachelors degree
  • TOEFL score of 79-100
  • 3 letters of recommendation are also required
  • Statement of purpose and academic transcripts are also required for admission

Comments


No Comments To Show