Do you have a passion for airplanes or space? The Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Aeronautics/Aviation may be the path for you.
Professionals in the aeronautics field design and develop aircraft. Aviation students in this field may become air traffic controllers or even pilots. Aerospace engineering is also apart of this field and trains students to be flight engineers.
The possibilities with this degree are endless. You will learn crucial skills such as problem-solving and communication. Many median salaries in this field are upwards of $100,000.
What is an Aeronautics/Aviation degree?
There are so many different paths you can take with this degree in the aerospace field. If you’re someone who’s good at math, problem-solving, and communication, then this degree will work for you. You may be able to work at the airport or for an airline.
In your courses, you’ll learn about aerodynamics and the science of propulsion. There are a variety of different concentrations you could choose from in this program. Common concentrations for this degree include:
- Aviation Management
- Air Traffic Control
- Safety Science
- Flight Technology
- Professional Flight
How much can you earn with an Aeronautics/Aviation degree?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a degree program is what your salary may be. Aerospace engineers earned a median salary of $115,220 as of 2018 according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The market for this field has a projected growth of 6 percent from 2016 to 2026. Although the growth rate is about average, aircraft today are being redesigned to be more sustainable, which calls for more demand in research and development.
What is required for a Bachelor’s in Aeronautics/Aviation?
The enrollment requirements for Aeronautics/Aviation programs are pretty standard for a bachelor degree program. You may be required to submit standardized test scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
Having a background in certain subjects may help with your admission. Courses in math, physics, communication, and/or chemistry may be helpful. Some common classes for this degree include aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and aerospace engineering.
If you study Aeronautical Engineering then you may take classes in thermodynamics, aircraft design, or fluid mechanics. If you study Aeronautical Science then you may take classes in navigation, avionics, or flight physiology.
What are the best Aeronautics/Aviation degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
20-Year ROI$1,325,236![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
- Multiple start dates
- Can earn over a quarter of transfer credits
- 120 credit hours required for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThe BS in Aeronautics is designed for students already in the field, those who previously worked in the field, or those who want to work in the field. This school was ranked number one for online bachelor’s programs by the U.S. News & World Report. The electives you take at this school are specific to your career goals.
Liberty University
20-Year ROI$718,609![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,734(in state) / $15,734(out of state)
- Multiple start dates
- 120 credits are required for both programs
- Tuition hasn’t increased in 4 years
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreLiberty University’s School of Aeronautics offers a BS in Aviation and a BS in Aviation Maintenance Management. At this school, you can participate in the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Program and earn a certificate. Liberty University has strong ties to several airlines and even hiring agreements for the aviation program.
American Public University System
20-Year ROI$1,257,003![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,480(in state) / $6,480(out of state)
- Curriculum designed by former NASA astronaut
- 120 credit hours are required for graduation
- Can transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreYou can choose from three concentrations at this school: space policy, aerospace science, or astronomy. This online program prepares you for careers in the space field. By doing this degree online, you don’t have to pay for any books.
Everglades University
20-Year ROI$828,429![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,600(in state) / $17,600(out of state)
- 123 credits are required for graduation
- Capstone course required
- Designed for those in the field and those who want to get in
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreEverglades University’s coursework is designed to include specific aviation material as well as management courses. There are six concentrations you can choose from in this degree including flight operations and aviation safety. Your courses in this program include Aviation Law & Regulations and Introduction to Sustainability.
LeTourneau University
20-Year ROI$956,579![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,770(in state) / $28,770(out of state)
- 122 credits are required for graduation
- Transfer-friendly
- Capstone is required
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreLTU has a top-ranked aviation program that has been recognized by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association for five years in a row. Some classes you may take in this program include Business Ethics, Aviation Management, and Aviation Safety Factors. If you have military experience, you are able to turn it into credits towards your degree.
