Aerospace Engineering at Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
60
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,783/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (41% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #50 of 57 Aerospace programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Aerospace Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $933K $910K $790K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 3.9x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 85% 81% 61%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 60 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$231,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,820
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,489
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $71,783/yr, Aerospace Engineering graduates from Clarkson University land near the $73,060 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.9x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 41% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $27,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #50 out of 57 programs, Clarkson University's financial outcomes for Aerospace Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $71,783 to $95,489 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Clarkson University

With 77% of applicants admitted, Clarkson University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,449 students in Potsdam, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,820 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Clarkson University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Aerospace Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clarkson University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Clarkson University's Aerospace Engineering program score?
A score of 60/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Clarkson University trails the majority of Aerospace Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Aerospace Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Aerospace Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 41% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →