Rocket Science: Find Scholarships in Aerospace Engineering

So you want to study Rocket Science….The field of Aerospace Engineering is competitive and constantly changing. The tuition isn’t cheap either for these programs. What are your best chances for finding real-world scholarships?

The best scholarships for Aerospace Engineering students come from:

  • Government sources
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Private and Professional sources

Aero Engineering Scholarships from the Federal Government

The federal government sponsors a number of programs that require aggressive recruitment of new and talented Aerospace Engineers.

  • NASA is THE Mecca for Aerospace Engineers. As such the agency sponsors a popular and very competitive program that includes scholarships and internships. Dozens of scholarship and cash programs are funded annually, including the competitive and popular NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program. This program awards 20-$15,000 scholarships + paid summer internship opportunities to junior-year undergrads in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering.
  • The Barry Goldwater Scholarships are given to students pursuing science, computer science, math and engineering degrees. These are very competitive awards that cover tuition and books up to $7,500 annually. Over 250 are doled out each year to students nominated by faculty and based on academic talent and academic commitment to their field.

College and University Scholarships in Aerospace Engineering

Top Aerospace Engineering schools include MIT, University of Michigan, Stanford, Texas A&M, and the United States Air Force Academy, among others. Most engineering schools offer a battery of scholarships, if not specifically for Aerospace studies then for general engineering.

Your college or university must be one of your first sources for scholarships.

Private and Professional Sources for Aero Engineering Scholarships

Various business and industry sources as well as professional associations offer many kinds of scholarships, as well as very valuable research and travel stipends.

  • The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics funds 30 scholarships annually. Undergraduate and graduate students in these major fields of study may contend for thousands of dollars in prize money. Besides academic talent and financial need, students may also compete for a top prize in technical writing.
  • Women in Aviation International administers the annual Delta Airlines Engineering Scholarship. This award is open to women studying aerospace or mechanical engineering in an undergraduate degree program. Awards are $5,000.