What is the starting salary for Aerospace Engineering graduates in Minneapolis?

The estimated starting salary for Aerospace Engineering graduates in Minneapolis, MN is $77,600 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. The national average starting salary for this major is $80,000. Salaries in Minneapolis are 3% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Aerospace Engineering degree worth it in Minneapolis?

A Aerospace Engineering degree in Minneapolis has an estimated ROI payback period of 2.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $840,456 after subtracting education costs. With 15 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $15,142/year, Minneapolis offers competitive options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis?

The average annual public university tuition in Minneapolis is $15,142, while private universities average $45,823/year. Including room and board ($12,394/year), total 4-year costs range from $110,144 at a public school to $232,868 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Minneapolis is $14,033/year.

What jobs can Aerospace Engineering graduates get in Minneapolis?

Aerospace Engineering graduates in Minneapolis can pursue careers as Aerospace Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Systems Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Orbital Mechanics, CAD/FEA. The Minneapolis job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX.

How long to pay off student loans for Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Aerospace Engineering graduates in Minneapolis would pay $1,251/month on an estimated $110,144 in loans, with $39,936 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,155/month but save $20,774 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $77,600, monthly payments would represent 19% of gross monthly income.

Aerospace Engineering Degree in Minneapolis, MN — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$78K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$112K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

2.5 yrs

in Minneapolis

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis, MN Overview

Minneapolis, Minnesota (pop. 429,954) has 15 colleges offering Aerospace Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 97 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $805/month. Aerospace Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Aerodynamics and Propulsion skills. The adjusted starting salary in Minneapolis is approximately $77,600.

Aerospace Engineering Salary in Minneapolis (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Minneapolis's cost of living index of 97 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$77,600($-2,400 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$111,550($-3,450 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$140,650($-4,350 vs national)

Note: National average Aerospace Engineering salary: $80,000 starting, $115,000 mid-career, $145,000 senior level.Minneapolis adjustment factor: 0.97x based on the local cost of living index.

Aerospace Engineering ROI Calculator for Minneapolis

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $15,142 | Private avg: $45,823

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Minneapolis avg aid: $14,033/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$110,144

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$43,650

vs HS diploma in Minneapolis

ROI Payback Period

2.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Minneapolis

$840,456

Lifetime earnings premium ($950,600) minus total education cost ($110,144)

Student Loan Payoff for Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$110,144

Monthly Payment$1,251

Total Interest$39,936

% of Monthly Income19%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$110,144

Monthly Payment$2,155

Total Interest$19,162

Interest Savings$20,774

Colleges in Minneapolis for Aerospace Engineering

University of Minnesota

public

$15,142/yr

$60,568 total

University of St. Thomas

private

$49,716/yr

$198,864 total

Augsburg University

private

$41,930/yr

$167,720 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Minneapolis College

$5,772/yr

Top Employers for Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis

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

BoeingLockheed MartinSpaceXNorthrop GrummanNASA

Key Minneapolis 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 in Nearby Minnesota Cities

Saint Paul, MN

$81K starting · COL 101.5

11 colleges

St. Paul, MN

$86K starting · COL 108

20 colleges

Rochester, MN

$84K starting · COL 105

8 colleges

Duluth, MN

$80K starting · COL 100

5 colleges

Bloomington, MN

$80K starting · COL 100.2

4 colleges

Brooklyn Park, MN

$79K starting · COL 98.8

4 colleges

Plymouth, MN

$86K starting · COL 107.3

4 colleges

Maple Grove, MN

$86K starting · COL 107.4

4 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Minneapolis

Petroleum Engineering

$49K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$49K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$80K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$49K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$78K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$76K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$49K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$76K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Aerospace Engineering degree outcomes in Minneapolis, MN: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Aerospace Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Minnesota.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Minneapolis using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Aerospace Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Aerospace Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Aerospace Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Minneapolis Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Minnesota students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Minnesota)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Minnesota programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "minnesota higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Aerospace Engineering Degree in Minneapolis — 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 Minneapolis.

Aerospace Engineering Overview Colleges in Minneapolis All Majors

Aerospace Engineering Degree in Minneapolis, MN — Salary & ROI 2026

Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis, MN Overview

Aerospace Engineering Salary in Minneapolis (COL-Adjusted)

Aerospace Engineering ROI Calculator for Minneapolis

Student Loan Payoff for Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Minneapolis for Aerospace Engineering

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Aerospace Engineering in Minneapolis

Key Minneapolis Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Common Aerospace Engineering Job Titles

Aerospace Engineering in Nearby Minnesota Cities

Saint Paul, MN

St. Paul, MN

Rochester, MN

Duluth, MN

Bloomington, MN

Brooklyn Park, MN

Plymouth, MN

Maple Grove, MN

Other Engineering Majors in Minneapolis

Petroleum Engineering

Computer Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Nuclear Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mining Engineering

Architectural Engineering

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Minneapolis Students

Aerospace Engineering Degree in Minneapolis — FAQ

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