Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
75
Base Case
73
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,820/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (41% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,800 openings/yr)
ROI 25.3x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 57 Aerospace programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

NC State's Aerospace Engineering program, a national standout, prepares you for a dynamic field. While initial earnings might reflect the broader regional market and diverse pathways graduates pursue, the program's strong reputation ensures excellent long-term prospects. Raleigh's Research Triangle Park, while not a primary aerospace manufacturing hub, offers opportunities in related defense contracting and R&D firms. Many graduates also find roles with major players like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or NASA nationwide, leveraging the school's robust industry connections and alumni network. Your curriculum will emphasize practical skills, preparing you for roles in aircraft design, propulsion, avionics, or space systems. Consider focusing on interdisciplinary skills like data science or advanced manufacturing to future-proof your career against evolving industry demands and technological shifts.

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 $921K $899K $782K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.9x 25.3x 22.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.1x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 85% 81% 61%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 75 73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,580
Out-of-state: $127,068 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,192
33% growth from Year 1

About North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh admits 40% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 26,389 in Raleigh, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Frequently Asked Questions

How does North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Aerospace Engineering program score?
A score of 75/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Aerospace Engineering graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
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.
Why does North Carolina State University at Raleigh rank so high for Aerospace Engineering?
The #9 ranking out of 57 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →