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Aerospace Engineering Degree in Akron, OH — Salary & ROI 2026

Aerospace Engineering degree analysis for Akron, OH. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$84K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$121K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.7 yrs

in Akron

Cost of Living

105

index (100 = avg)

Aerospace Engineering in Akron, OH Overview

While Akron has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Aerospace Engineering students benefit from lower tuition costs. Room and board averages $8,745/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Aerospace Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Aerodynamics and Propulsion skills. The adjusted starting salary in Akron is approximately $84,000.

Category

Engineering

Local Colleges

5

Public Tuition

$11,330/yr

Private Tuition

$45,325/yr

Room & Board

$8,745/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$8,336/yr

Unemployment

3.3%

Graduation Rate

72%

Aerospace Engineering Salary in Akron (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Akron's cost of living index of 105 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,000(+$4,000 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$120,750(+$5,750 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$152,250(+$7,250 vs national)

Note: National average Aerospace Engineering salary: $80,000 starting, $115,000 mid-career, $145,000 senior level.Akron adjustment factor: 1.05x based on the local cost of living index.

Aerospace Engineering ROI Calculator for Akron

Estimate your return on investment for a Aerospace Engineering degree using local Akron tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $11,330 | Private avg: $45,325

Akron avg aid: $8,336/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$80,300

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$47,250

vs HS diploma in Akron

ROI Payback Period

1.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Akron

$948,700

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,029,000) minus total education cost ($80,300)

Student Loan Payoff for Aerospace Engineering in Akron

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$80,300
Monthly Payment$912
Total Interest$29,115
% of Monthly Income13%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$80,300
Monthly Payment$1,571
Total Interest$13,970
Interest Savings$15,145

Colleges in Akron for Aerospace Engineering

University of Akron

public

$11,330/yr

$45,320 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Stark State College

$4,344/yr

Top Employers for Aerospace Engineering in Akron

Akron offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Aerospace Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

BoeingLockheed MartinSpaceXNorthrop GrummanNASA

Key Akron Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Aerospace Engineering Job Titles

Aerospace EngineerFlight Test EngineerSystems Engineer

Aerospace Engineering Degree in Akron — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

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Compare Aerospace Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Akron.

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