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Public, 4-year

Air Force Institute of Technology-Graduate School of Engineering & Management

Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio · www.afit.edu

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About

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), particularly its Graduate School of Engineering and Management, stands out as a premier institution for advanced education and research in engineering and management, specifically tailored to meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force and other military branches. Located in Dayton, Ohio, AFIT benefits from its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which allows for unique collaboration opportunities and practical experiences that enhance the academic environment. The institution prides itself on its strong emphasis on research and innovation, with state-of-the-art facilities that support a wide range of engineering disciplines. From aerospace engineering to information technology, AFIT provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills necessary to tackle contemporary challenges in defense and aerospace sectors.

The institute's commitment to education is underscored by its mission to develop leaders through its rigorous programs and its focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive campus culture. With a faculty comprised of military veterans and experts in their respective fields, students receive not only academic instruction but also mentorship that prepares them for impactful careers. The school’s motto, "Knowledge is Power," encapsulates the essence of its educational philosophy, driving students to excel academically while contributing to the national defense. Moreover, AFIT's alumni network boasts many distinguished graduates who have gone on to hold significant positions within the military and civilian sectors, reflecting the institute's reputation for producing highly qualified professionals. Overall, the Air Force Institute of Technology provides a unique environment where academic rigor meets practical application, fostering the next generation of leaders in engineering and management.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Student Demographics

The tuition fees for graduate students at the Air Force Institute of Technology have shown a consistent upward trend over the years, increasing from $16,944 in 2014 to a projected $19,488 in 2024. This represents a significant rise, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where tuition costs continue to climb, adding financial pressure on students and families. Such increases may impact enrollment decisions, particularly for out-of-state students, who may seek more affordable options elsewhere.

In terms of student enrollment, the graduate student population has demonstrated a steady increase from 801 in 2013 to a peak of 1,178 in 2022, before witnessing a slight decline to 1,048 in 2023. This fluctuation could indicate various factors at play, including economic conditions, program availability, and institutional reputation. The increase in enrollment over the years suggests a growing interest in advanced education at this institution, possibly driven by its military affiliation and specialized programs.

Examining gender ratios within the graduate student body reveals a notable trend toward greater gender diversity, with female representation increasing from approximately 12.5% in 2014 to around 18% in 2023. This shift is encouraging, as it indicates a move towards a more balanced gender representation in fields traditionally dominated by males, particularly in engineering and technology sectors.

Overall, while the rising tuition costs present challenges, the increasing enrollment figures and improved gender diversity demonstrate positive developments within the institution. These trends are essential for stakeholders to consider, particularly as they shape strategies for recruitment, retention, and program development in the future.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Dayton, about 6 mi
Nearest international airport
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), about 60 mi
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
Also known as
AFIT
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman (Dean)
Phone
9372553636
City
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
Address
2950 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7765

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's3005 international (1.7%)
Doctoral290 international (0.0%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General · Master's54 (0% international)
  • Systems Engineering · Master's47 (2% international)
  • Operations Research · Master's29 (0% international)
  • Engineering/Industrial Management · Master's26 (0% international)
  • Nuclear Engineering · Master's17 (0% international)
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering · Master's17 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Degree Trends at Air Force Institute of Technology

The data from the Air Force Institute of Technology for the year 2023 reveals significant trends in graduate degrees, particularly in the fields of engineering and technology. Notably, the highest number of master's degrees awarded was in Engineering/Industrial Management, with 24 graduates, indicating a strong interest in this area, which aligns with the increasing demand for skilled professionals in operations and project management roles across various industries.

Interestingly, while there are no bachelor's degrees conferred, the doctoral programs in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Computer Engineering produced a modest number of graduates, suggesting a focused approach on advanced studies rather than undergraduate education. The absence of bachelor's degree recipients could indicate that the institution may be prioritizing graduate education for specific technical roles, particularly in defense and aerospace sectors, which are critical for national security.

Moreover, the presence of international students, although limited, reflects the institute's capability to attract global talent, particularly in master's programs. For instance, the one international graduate in Engineering/Industrial Management illustrates the institution's global outreach and potential for diversity in its academic environment.

Overall, the data underscores a concentrated effort on advanced engineering and technical disciplines, which is essential in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. This trend may enhance the institute's reputation and its ability to contribute to the workforce needed for complex engineering challenges, especially in military and aerospace applications.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Engineeringhas 201 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.-
Computer Engineering, General.-
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.-
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics.-
Nuclear Engineering.-
Systems Engineering.-
Operations Research.-
Businesshas 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.-
Operations Management and Supervision.-
Project Management.-
Engineering technologieshas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Engineering/Industrial Management.-
Computer and information sciencehas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Computer Science.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Data Science, General.-
Data Analytics, General.-
Military techonologies has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare.-
Social sciencehas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.-
Physical scienceshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General.-
Optics/Optical Sciences.-
Materials Science.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Applied Mathematics, General.-

Students

1,070 students in 2025

Data insights

Demographic Insights of Graduate Students at Air Force Institute of Technology

The latest data from the Air Force Institute of Technology for 2023 reveals a diverse landscape among its graduate student population. With a total of 1,048 graduate students, the gender distribution shows a significant male presence, accounting for 82% of the student body, while females represent 18%. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenge of gender balance in engineering and technical fields, where males frequently outnumber females.

Delving deeper into the demographics, the breakdown of students by race shows that the largest group consists of White students, numbering 733, which translates to approximately 70% of the graduate population. This is followed by other ethnic groups, including Asians, Latinx, and Black students, though specific numbers for these categories were not disclosed. The underrepresentation of minority groups in STEM fields has been a topic of concern, prompting various initiatives aimed at encouraging diversity and inclusion.

As educational institutions continue to grapple with these demographic trends, it is essential to foster an environment that supports all students, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Emphasizing outreach programs and mentorship opportunities can help bridge the gap and create a more balanced representation in the future. Overall, while the Air Force Institute of Technology serves a significant number of graduate students, there remains a clear need for continued efforts toward improving diversity and gender equity in its academic programs.

Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at Air Force Institute of Technology

The age distribution data from the Air Force Institute of Technology reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of its student body. The majority of graduate male students are concentrated in the 22-24 and 25-29 age brackets, with a notable count of 173 and 260 respectively. This trend indicates that the institution attracts a significant number of younger adults, which may be reflective of the increasing age at which individuals pursue higher education, particularly in specialized fields such as engineering and management.

Interestingly, the representation of female students is strikingly lower than their male counterparts across all age categories. For instance, in the 22-24 age range, there are only 52 female graduate students compared to 173 male students. This gender disparity is a common theme in STEM fields, where women are often underrepresented, leading to ongoing discussions about encouraging more females to pursue careers in engineering and technology.

Moreover, the absence of undergraduate male and female students in the 20-21 age range may suggest that students tend to transition directly into graduate programs after completing their undergraduate degrees, which is becoming more prevalent in modern education.

The senior age groups (40-49 and 50-64) show minimal representation, indicating that the institution may primarily cater to younger adults seeking advanced degrees. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, particularly in defense and technology sectors, addressing the gender gap and encouraging diverse age participation could enhance the learning environment and innovation at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 231 public doctoral universities in the U.S.

Graduate students1.6%

17 in 2025 · 2.2% in 2016

0% 10% 20% 2016: 2.2%2017: 1.3%2018: 1.6%2019: 2.0%2020: 1.3%2021: 0.4%2022: 0.8%2023: 1.3%2024: 0.0%2025: 1.6%
2016Peer median 15.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Graduate Students at Air Force Institute of Technology

The data concerning international graduate students at the Air Force Institute of Technology reveals an alarming downward trend over the years. From 2010 to 2023, the percentage of international students among the graduate population has significantly declined, dropping from 4.31% in 2010 to a mere 1.34% in 2023. This decline is particularly concerning as it suggests a decreasing interest or accessibility for international students to study at this institution.

The peak enrollment years, 2010 and 2011, saw a healthy representation of international students, contributing to a diverse academic environment. However, the subsequent years have seen a stark decline, with the percentage reaching its lowest point in 2021 at just 0.44%. Several factors could contribute to this trend, including global political climates, visa restrictions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically altered the landscape of international education.

Moreover, the significant drop in the number of international graduate students could have implications for the institution's global reputation and the richness of its academic community. A diverse student body enhances cultural exchange and prepares students for a global workforce, which is increasingly vital in today's interconnected world.

It is crucial for the Air Force Institute of Technology to evaluate the barriers international students face and implement strategies to attract and retain these students. Initiatives could include streamlined visa processes, enhanced support services, and outreach programs tailored specifically for international candidates. Addressing these issues will not only benefit the institution but will also contribute positively to the broader educational landscape in the United States.

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near the Air Force Institute of Technology:

  1. University of Dayton - Ranked 133 in the 2024 US News rankings, it is a comprehensive university known for its strong engineering and business programs.

  2. Miami University-Oxford - Also ranked 133, this comprehensive university is renowned for its beautiful campus and emphasis on undergraduate education.

  3. Earlham College - Ranked 100, this liberal arts college is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social justice.

  4. Xavier University - With a rank of 201, Xavier is a comprehensive university that emphasizes a strong liberal arts education combined with professional programs.

  5. Ohio State University-Main Campus - Ranked 43, this comprehensive university is one of the largest in the U.S. and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  6. Denison University - A liberal arts college ranked 39, Denison is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus community.

  7. Kenyon College - Also ranked 39, this liberal arts college is recognized for its intimate academic environment and strong writing programs.

  8. University of Louisville - Ranked 195, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its research initiatives.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the region.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Air Force Institute of Technology

The crime data from the Air Force Institute of Technology for the years 2013 to 2023 shows a remarkable trend of zero incidents across all categories. This consistent absence of crime is noteworthy, as it reflects positively on both the institution's security measures and the overall campus environment. With no recorded incidents of gun-related arrests, drug-related arrests, alcohol-related arrests, or any other criminal activities, it appears that the campus maintains a safe atmosphere for students and staff alike.

Such a low crime rate can often be attributed to a combination of factors, including effective law enforcement presence, a strong sense of community among the students, and possibly the nature of the institution itself, which attracts individuals committed to their education and professional development. Moreover, the absence of serious offenses such as assault, robbery, or domestic violence further emphasizes the institution's commitment to maintaining a secure educational environment.

This data is particularly relevant in a time when many educational institutions are grappling with rising crime rates, making the Air Force Institute of Technology stand out as a model for campus safety. It is essential, however, for the institution to continue monitoring and fostering this secure environment, as maintaining a proactive approach to safety can help prevent any future issues.

For further information on calculating crime rates, you can find a helpful resource here: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.