Academy Astro, Aero Engineering programs ranked top in U.S.

Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets discuss course work in the Astronautical department.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)

U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. News and World Report ranked the Academy one of the nation’s best undergraduate educational institutions in the publication’s 2022 annual report.

The Best Colleges Rankings report rates the Academy as third in the Top Public Schools category and names the Astronautical Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering programs as the best in the nation (at schools where a doctorate is not offered). The report rates the Academy 18th overall in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, having consistently risen from the 39th ranking since 2020.

“To rise in formal ranking alongside the finest institutions of higher learning in our country is an incredible honor for the Academy,” said the Dean of the Faculty Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre. “It should serve as a great source of pride for our faculty and academic staff who work hard to develop officers of character every day for the U.S. Air and Space Forces.”

The Academy offers 20 different departments and a broad core curriculum so cadets can find an area of study that interests and challenges them. The robust curriculum includes educational requirements that fill cadets’ schedules including athletics and military training. This makes for a well-rounded experience that prepares graduates as they commission as second lieutenants in the military.

Explore the majors and minors offered at the Academy.

U.S. Air Force Academy rankings for 2022, among schools where a doctorate is not offered:

#1 in Astronautical Engineering

#1 Aeronautical Engineering

#4 in Electrical / Electronic / Communications, up from 8 in 2021 (a tie)

#6 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (a tie)

#6 in Mechanical Engineering (tie)

#8 in Civil Engineering, up from 12 in 2021 (a tie)

#9 in Computer Engineering (a tie)