Aerospace Engineering Degree in Detroit, MI — Salary & ROI 2026
Aerospace Engineering degree analysis for Detroit, MI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$70K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$100K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
2.7 yrs
in Detroit
Cost of Living
87
index (100 = avg)
Aerospace Engineering in Detroit, MI Overview
Detroit is one of Michigan's top college towns, with 43 institutions and a student population of 57,362. Public tuition averages $14,568/year here — near the national average for public universities. Aerospace Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Aerodynamics and Propulsion skills. The adjusted starting salary in Detroit is approximately $69,600.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
43
Public Tuition
$14,568/yr
Private Tuition
$33,980/yr
Room & Board
$12,083/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$15,401/yr
Unemployment
6.4%
Graduation Rate
57%
Aerospace Engineering Salary in Detroit (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Detroit's cost of living index of 87 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Aerospace Engineering salary: $80,000 starting, $115,000 mid-career, $145,000 senior level.Detroit adjustment factor: 0.87x based on the local cost of living index.
Aerospace Engineering ROI Calculator for Detroit
Estimate your return on investment for a Aerospace Engineering degree using local Detroit tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $14,568 | Private avg: $33,980
Detroit avg aid: $15,401/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$106,604
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$39,150
vs HS diploma in Detroit
ROI Payback Period
2.7 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Detroit
$745,996
Lifetime earnings premium ($852,600) minus total education cost ($106,604)
Student Loan Payoff for Aerospace Engineering in Detroit
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Detroit for Aerospace Engineering
Wayne State University
public
$14,568/yr
$58,272 total
University of Detroit Mercy
private
$33,980/yr
$135,920 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Wayne County Community College
$4,296/yr
Top Employers for Aerospace Engineering in Detroit
Detroit offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Aerospace Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Detroit Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Aerospace Engineering Job Titles
Aerospace Engineering in Nearby Michigan Cities
Grand Rapids, MI
$70K starting · COL 88
10 colleges
Warren, MI
$71K starting · COL 88.5
6 colleges
Sterling Heights, MI
$74K starting · COL 92.8
5 colleges
Ann Arbor, MI
$68K starting · COL 85
14 colleges
Lansing, MI
$68K starting · COL 85
6 colleges
Dearborn, MI
$72K starting · COL 90.5
5 colleges
Clinton Township, MI
$77K starting · COL 96.2
4 colleges
Canton Township, MI
$75K starting · COL 93.5
4 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Detroit
Petroleum Engineering
$44K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Computer Engineering
$44K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$71K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering
$44K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$70K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$68K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$44K starting · 3 yr ROI
Materials Science & Engineering
$44K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering Degree in Detroit — 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.
Explore More
Compare Aerospace Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Detroit.