Best Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Schools in California

California has 10 colleges offering Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 556 recent graduates. Graduates earn $64,622 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $64,837.

School choice matters significantly: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $76,460 while University of California-Irvine graduates earn $54,974 — a $21,486 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

10
Schools in CA
$64,622
CA Avg. Earnings
$64,837
National Avg.
58
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in California

Public Schools (9)
$63,377
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$75,832
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $12,455 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

$76,460
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $74,220
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: 29.8%
#2
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$75,832
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $78,078
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 10.0%
#3
S

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$68,219
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.2%
#4
C

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public

$64,087
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $70,663
Graduates: 101
Acceptance: 73.7%
#5
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$63,005
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $61,870
Graduates: 63
Acceptance: 34.4%
#6
U

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$61,516
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,999
Graduates: 54
Acceptance: 41.6%
#7
U

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$61,218
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,511
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 24.5%
#8
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$60,839
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $66,374
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 47.1%
#9
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$60,072
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $66,724
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 8.7%
#10
U

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$54,974
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $52,033
Graduates: 67
Acceptance: 25.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in California?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #1 for Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in California with median graduate earnings of $76,460 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates earn in California?
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates in California earn an average of $64,622 within two years of graduation. This is near the national average of $64,837 for this major.
What is the hardest Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering school to get into in California?
University of California-Los Angeles is the most selective Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering program in California with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The average acceptance rate across Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering programs in the state is 37.6%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in California?
In California, private Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering programs produce average earnings of $75,832 vs $63,377 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 1 private options in the state.

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.