Aerospace Engineeringat Wichita State University
Graduates earn $61,526/yr in their first year — about 16.0% below the national Aerospace Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $801K; scenarios range from $708K to $818K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Wichita State University
Wichita State's aerospace engineering program is deeply integrated with its local economy, often serving as a direct pipeline into Wichita's established aviation manufacturing sector. You'll find strong recruiting ties to companies like Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation (Cessna, Beechcraft), and Bombardier Learjet right in your backyard. However, while these connections offer abundant local opportunities, the regional labor market for these roles may not command the same salaries as positions in major aerospace hubs on the coasts or in defense-focused regions. Many graduates find themselves in manufacturing, production, or legacy aircraft support, which can differ significantly in pay from advanced design or space exploration roles elsewhere. Consider deeply whether your career aspirations align with the specific types of aerospace work prevalent in the Wichita market, and be prepared to explore opportunities outside the immediate region if higher earning potential or specific R&D roles are your priority.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Wichita State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Aerospace Engineering
How Wichita State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Wichita State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Wichita State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Aerospace Engineering at Wichita State University
How does Wichita State University's Aerospace Engineering program score?
A score of 70/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Wichita State 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.
Why are Aerospace Engineering earnings lower at Wichita State University?
Lower starting pay at Wichita State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.