Aerospace engineers are involved in every aspect of the creation of airplanes, satellites, rockets, and missiles. This includes designing, testing, managing, and producing these machines. Even though an aerospace engineer does need to have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, there are associate degrees that can be earned that benefit a student who hopes to be employed in the aerospace industry. A degree in aerospace manufacturing or aerospace technology will qualify the student for work in the production of aircraft. Alternatively, an associate’s degree in aerospace engineering is frequently a transfer degree – a stepping stone on the way to earning a bachelor’s degree in the field. Of course, another benefit of earning an associate’s degree instead of a bachelor’s degree is that it represents a significantly smaller financial obligation.
Our list of associate’s degrees in the aerospace industry are ranked first of all according to the cost of the program. Secondly, they are ranked according to the quality of the program based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio. (All information used in this ranking is based on the statistics provided by collegenavigator.gov)
The top 10 affordable associate degrees for aerospace engineering are offered by:
- Eastern Florida State College
- Lenoir Community College
- Dona Ana Community College
- Calhoun Community College
- Yavapai College
- Montgomery Community College
- Guilford Technical Community College
- Wichita State Tech
- Seminole State College of Florida
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida
Associate in Science in Aeronautics
The associate’s degree program in aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an aviation concentration. The curriculum is closely mapped to the needs and demands of the aerospace industry, as well as general education guidelines. The 60-credit program combines courses of study in human factors, security, aviation safety, occupational safety and health, aircraft maintenance, and aeronautical science. Students have the opportunity to earn credit for previous work experience, and online options are also available.
Tuition: $19,940
9. Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, Florida
Associate in Arts in Aerospace Engineering
At Seminole State College of Florida, students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in aerospace engineering. The program has an online option, a rare feature for an aerospace engineering degree. The 60-credit program is designed specifically for transfer, and it has an articulation agreement with the University of Florida. The curriculum aims to help students master the basics, preparing them for success in the remainder of their studies and in the field of aerospace engineering.
Tuition: $11,408
8. Wichita State University Tech
Wichita, Kansas
Associate of Applied Science in Aerospace Manufacturing Technology
Wichita State University Tech offers a 62-credit associate’s degree in aerospace manufacturing technology. The curriculum includes a sequence of courses designed to produce an aerospace technician with multiple skills and a well-rounded understanding of the aerospace industry. Students can choose between three areas of concentration: mechanical assembly, composite fabrication, or basic avionics. Additional coursework provides students with an in-depth perspective on the avionics industry.
Tuition: $11,253
7. Guilford Technical Community College
Jamestown, North Carolina
Associate of Applied Science in Aerospace Manufacturing Technology
Guilford Technical Community College offers an AAS degree in aerospace manufacturing technology. The first half of the 70- to 73-credit program is spent learning how to build and repair aircraft structures using sheet metal and composite materials. During the second half of the program, students can pick one of the following career tracks: manufacturing engineer, computer numerical control operator, or operations management and supply chain. Students can choose to begin the program in either the fall or the spring.
Tuition: $10,857
6. Montgomery College
Rockville, Maryland
Associate of Science in Engineering Science – Aerospace Engineering Concentration
At Montgomery College, students can earn an affordable associate’s degree in engineering science with a concentration in aerospace engineering. This program is specifically designed for transfer. The 61-credit program requires four semesters of study. The program boasts of small class sizes, as well as dedicated professors aiming to prepare students for the nation’s top colleges. Subdivisions of the program include propulsion systems, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and structures and design.
Tuition: $8,852
5. Yavapai College
Prescott, Arizona
Associate of Applied Science in Aerospace Science
The AAS degree in aerospace science at Yavapai College is a great option for students wishing to earn an affordable associate’s degree in aerospace engineering. The 61- to 63-credit program prepares students for careers as pilots, flight service specialists, dispatchers, instructors, and unmanned aircraft operators. The program also prepares students for the entrance exam for the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City. Students can select one or more of the three program concentrations: airplane operations, technical aviation, and unmanned aircraft systems operator.
Tuition: $6,872
4. Calhoun Community College
Decatur, Alabama
Associate of Applied Science in Aerospace Technology
At Calhoun Community College, students can earn an affordable associate’s degree in aerospace technology. The program offers two areas of concentration – structures and assembly or welding. Each concentration requires the completion of 66 to 67 credits. The exciting curriculum prepares students for employment through both classroom learning and hands-on laboratory instruction. CCC is a member of the SpaceTEC connection, allowing for access to all necessary certifications needed to succeed in the field.
Tuition: $6,077
3. Dona Ana Community College
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Associate of Applied Science in Aerospace Technology
The AAS in aerospace technology at Dona Ana Community College is a great option for those looking to earn an affordable degree in the field. The curriculum includes core skills used in spaceflight technology, as well as instruction in commercial spaceflight requirements. The 60-credit program also teaches a broad range of skills and knowledge that is useful in various jobs in electronics and manufacturing. Graduates will be prepared for the SpaceTEC certification examination.
Tuition: $5,869
2. Lenoir Community College
Kinston, North Carolina
Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Management
Lenoir Community College has an impressive Aerospace Advanced Manufacturing Center. Although they don’t specifically offer a degree in aerospace engineering, they offer multiple affordable degree programs in related fields. These degree options include an AAS in aviation management, an AAS in automotive systems technology, an AAS in mechanical engineering technology, and an AAS in industrial systems technology. These affordable degree programs range from 63 to 70 credits. Courses that utilize the aerospace center are also available to qualified high-school students.
Tuition: $4,836
1. Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, Florida
Associate in Science in Aerospace Technology
Eastern Florida State College offers the most affordable aerospace associate’s degree. This two-year, 64-credit program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in the aerospace and aeronautics industry. Graduates will qualify for jobs in testing, fabrication, assembly, repair, and manufacturing. Morning classes begin each fall, and evening class options begin each spring. The school also offers two shorter aerospace technology certificate programs.
Tuition: $3,445
Related Resources:
- Top 10 Affordable Associate’s in Engineering
- Automotive Mechanic Certificate
- Associate’s in Computer Programming
- Nuclear Technician Associate’s
