Program Analysis
Graduates earn $69,514/yr, roughly in line with the $73,060 national median for Aerospace. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Aerospace programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Aerospace's typical career paths, with 41% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $69,514 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #33 of 57 Aerospace programs, Western Michigan University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $69,514 to $100,965 over five years — a 45% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.