The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) offers a total of 30 different scholarships to undergraduate students who have completed at least their freshman year. According to the AIAA, these scholarships are offered to students in amounts between $2,000 and $2,500, and can be renewed each year until the student graduates. The AIAA's scholarships for graduate students are equally impressive; each year, the AIAA awards 10 $5,000 scholarships and four $10,000 scholarships. Applicants must be enrolled in aeronautical or aerospace engineering programs to be considered.
The AIAA also offers the Abe M. Zarem Award, a scholarship that recognizes excellence in technical writing. Any interested Master's-level students may apply to receive this scholarship.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers a scholarship opportunity for aeronautical engineering students. Each year, NASA awards 20 $15,000 scholarships for educational expenses. Included in the scholarship award is a $10,000 stipend for a summer internship program at the NASA Research Center.
While this is a very generous award, it is only awarded to the student for a total of two years. Because applicants will most likely be enrolled in a degree program requiring more than two years of study, it is important for applicants to plan for additional tuition funding after the two years has passed. According to NASA, desired applicants will be those who are in their second year (i.e., sophomore year) when the application is submitted. Applicants must also be citizens of the United States; unfortunately, as of 2010, NASA does not accept applications from students who are simply permanent residents of the United States.
According to Top Aeronautical Schools, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) offers a scholarship opportunity for aeronautical engineering students who maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5. This scholarship is disbursed as a $3,500 award, and can be renewed for up to three years of the student's education.
ERAU requires that each scholarship applicant complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible to receive this scholarship.