As part of Aviation Week’s annual study, companies are asked for two pieces of data:

1. The universities they have identified as “preferred suppliers” based on their ability to recruit students on campus who are both well-prepared academically and in programs that have a record for quality research and alumni.

2. The universities at which they have hired the highest volume of graduates.

In addition, we ask young professionals how important they believe their alma mater is to their career growth.

Top Universities for A&D

"Preferred Supplier" Universities	Universities Where A&D Hired the Most New Grads	Universities that Young Professionals Indicate Most Influenced Careers
Pennsylvania State University	University of Central Florida	California Polytechnic/Georgia Institute of Technology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	University of Arizona	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Purdue University	University of Washington	University of Michigan
California Polytechnic/University of Maryland	Arizona State	Pennsylvania State University
Georgia Institute of Technology	Purdue University

For the past 12 years, Aviation Week has asked companies responding to the study for data that reflects their ability to meet the three most important factors when employees make career decisions (beyond money): technological challenge, learning/career development and respect/value for individuals. It is notewworthy that AGI has been among the top three companies for technological challenge each of the past five years. Rockwell Collins is the only company to be among the top five in all three categories.

Top Companies

Technological Challenge	Respect/Value for Individuals	Professional Development/Learning
Analytical Graphics	Acutec Precision Machining	The Boeing Co.
The Aerospace Corp.	Aurora Flight Sciences	The Aerospace Corp.
Lockheed Martin Corp.	Kellstrom	Pratt & Whitney