Best colleges for Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering in California
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the California programs in the federal field-of-study file, University of Southern California leads: its Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering graduates earn a median $125,514 four years after finishing, against the field's $98,207 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | $125,514 | +$27,307 |
| 2 | University of California-Los Angeles | $115,706 | +$17,499 |
| 3 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $107,498 | +$9,291 |
| 4 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $106,171 | +$7,964 |
Frequently asked questions
Which California college is best for Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering?
By graduate earnings, University of Southern California — its Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering bachelor's graduates earn a median $125,514 four years out, the highest of the 4 California programs in the federal file.
What do Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering graduates earn in California?
Across the ranked California programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $106,171 to $125,514. The field's national median is $98,207.
Is a Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering graduates earn $49,847/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.