Best Aerospace Engineering Programs in Colorado Springs Colorado

Key Takeaways

• Colorado Springs is a national aerospace hub, home to Space Operations Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and major defense contractors.
• The top aerospace-related programs in Colorado Springs include UCCS, Embry-Riddle Worldwide, and Pikes Peak State College transfer pathways.
• UCCS stands out for its ABET-accredited engineering pathway and strong industry partnerships.
• Embry-Riddle offers flexible, career-focused degrees tailored to working professionals and military students.
• Students benefit from robust internship pipelines, defense-sector partnerships, and strong post-graduation earning potential.

Why Colorado Springs Is a Top Location for Aerospace Engineering

Colorado Springs is one of the most strategically important aerospace regions in the United States. The city hosts Space Operations Command, NORAD, U.S. Space Command, and multiple Space Force installations. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Ball Aerospace, and L3Harris.

Colorado ranks among the top states for aerospace employment, with over 33,000 aerospace workers statewide. For students, this ecosystem translates into internships, co-ops, research partnerships, and high job placement rates after graduation.

If you are searching for the best aerospace engineering programs in Colorado Springs Colorado, you are not just choosing a degree. You are choosing access to one of the most powerful aerospace job markets in the country.

Top Aerospace Engineering Programs in Colorado Springs

SchoolDegree OptionsBest ForEstimated Tuition (In-State)Notable StrengthUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with aerospace focus; pathways to CU Boulder AerospaceTraditional full-time studentsApprox. $11,000 per yearStrong industry ties, research opportunitiesEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide – Colorado SpringsBS in Aeronautics, MS in Aerospace Engineering, Space SystemsMilitary and working professionalsApprox. $390 per credit hourFlexible formats, aerospace specializationPikes Peak State CollegePre-Engineering Associate DegreeTransfer students seeking cost savingsApprox. $4,000 per yearAffordable transfer pathway

University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

Programs and Academics

UCCS is the leading public university option in the city for students pursuing aerospace-related engineering careers. While UCCS does not currently offer a standalone aerospace engineering degree, it offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with coursework aligned to aerospace systems, thermodynamics, propulsion, and fluid mechanics.

Students can also leverage CU system connections, particularly with CU Boulder’s nationally ranked aerospace engineering program, for research collaboration and graduate study pipelines.

Why UCCS Stands Out

• ABET-accredited engineering degrees
• Senior design projects with aerospace industry sponsors
• Undergraduate research in robotics, fluid systems, and materials
• Location near major defense installations

Admissions Overview

Competitive applicants typically present strong GPAs in math and science. ACT or SAT scores may be optional, but calculus readiness is critical. Transfer pathways are available from local community colleges.

Career Outcomes

Graduates commonly secure roles as systems engineers, propulsion engineers, or defense contractors. Entry-level aerospace engineering salaries in Colorado average between $75,000 and $85,000 annually, with higher earning potential in defense and space systems.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide – Colorado Springs Campus

Program Structure

Embry-Riddle is globally recognized for aviation and aerospace education. The Colorado Springs Worldwide campus primarily serves military personnel and working adults.

Degree options include:

• Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
• Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
• MS in Space Systems

Flexible Learning Format

Courses are offered online and on-base, making this a strong choice for Space Force members and defense professionals seeking career advancement without pausing employment.

Industry Alignment

Embry-Riddle’s curriculum emphasizes space systems operations, orbital mechanics, and systems engineering, directly aligned with Colorado Springs’ defense-focused aerospace ecosystem.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate applicants must demonstrate college readiness. Graduate applicants typically need a technical bachelor’s degree and minimum GPA thresholds. Military students often qualify for tuition assistance.

Pikes Peak State College – Affordable Engineering Pathway

Why It Matters

Pikes Peak State College offers a cost-effective Associate of Science in Engineering designed to transfer into four-year engineering programs.

This is often the most financially strategic way to start an aerospace engineering journey in Colorado Springs.

Advantages

• Lower tuition costs
• Smaller class sizes
• Transfer articulation agreements with Colorado universities
• Strong STEM foundation in calculus, physics, and programming

Students planning carefully can complete two years locally and then transfer into a bachelor’s program with minimal debt.

How to Choose the Best Aerospace Program for You

1. Verify Accreditation

Always select ABET-accredited engineering programs if your goal is licensure or long-term engineering advancement.

2. Evaluate Industry Partnerships

Colorado Springs’ edge lies in defense and space systems. Programs connected to Space Force installations or aerospace contractors provide superior internship opportunities.

3. Compare Tuition vs ROI

While private institutions may offer flexibility, public universities typically provide the strongest long-term return on investment for traditional full-time students.

4. Consider Military Benefits

With a heavy military presence in Colorado Springs, many institutions offer GI Bill coordination, tuition assistance support, and flexible course delivery.

Internships and Career Pipeline in Colorado Springs

One of the biggest advantages of studying aerospace engineering in Colorado Springs is direct access to federal and defense employers.

Students frequently intern with:

• U.S. Space Force
• Lockheed Martin
• Boeing Defense
• Northrop Grumman
• Ball Aerospace

Many roles require security clearance eligibility, so students with clean backgrounds and U.S. citizenship have a significant employment advantage.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

• Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative
• Institutional merit-based STEM scholarships
• Defense contractor-sponsored scholarships
• Military tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits

STEM fields often receive enhanced funding support due to workforce demand. Students should apply early and complete FAFSA as soon as it opens.

Typical Admission Requirements

• Strong GPA in math and science
• Completion of pre-calculus or calculus
• Competitive transfer GPA for engineering entry
• For graduate programs, bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Advanced placement credits in physics and calculus can significantly accelerate degree completion.

Projected Career Growth in Aerospace Engineering

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for aerospace engineers, with median annual pay exceeding $126,000 nationwide. In Colorado, salaries are frequently elevated due to defense specialization and security clearance requirements.

Graduates from Colorado Springs programs are especially competitive in:

• Space systems engineering
• Satellite design and operations
• Missile defense systems
• Flight dynamics and propulsion

When selecting from the best aerospace engineering programs in Colorado Springs Colorado, prioritize programs that position you inside this ecosystem through research, internships, and contractor visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aerospace Engineering Programs in Colorado Springs

Does Colorado Springs have true aerospace engineering degrees?

In Colorado Springs, you will mainly find mechanical or aeronautics degrees with an aerospace focus, such as UCCS mechanical engineering and Embry-Riddle aeronautics or aerospace programs. Many students start locally, then move into aerospace-focused jobs or graduate programs.

Which school in Colorado Springs is best for a traditional full-time student?

If you want a campus experience with labs and student life, UCCS is a strong option. You can earn an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering degree with aerospace-related courses and connect to CU Boulder for advanced aerospace study.

What is the most affordable way to start aerospace engineering in Colorado Springs?

You can begin at Pikes Peak State College in the pre-engineering associate program, then transfer to a four-year university like UCCS. This lets you complete your first two years at a lower tuition rate while building your math, physics, and engineering base.

Is Colorado Springs a good place for aerospace internships and jobs?

Yes. The region hosts Space Operations Command, multiple Space Force bases, and employers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Ball Aerospace. This setting helps you find internships, co-ops, and full-time roles in space and defense work.

What admission background do you need for these aerospace-related programs?

You should be ready for college-level math, including pre-calculus or calculus, and have solid grades in physics and other sciences. For graduate aerospace degrees, you usually need a technical bachelor’s degree and a competitive GPA.

What salaries can you expect with an aerospace engineering role in Colorado?

Entry-level aerospace engineers in Colorado often earn around $75,000 to $85,000 per year, while experienced engineers can align with or exceed the national median of about $126,880 per year, according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.