California · Astronomy and Astrophysics

Best Astronomy and Astrophysics institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Astronomy and Astrophysics program focuses on the scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena, applying principles from physics and chemistry. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the nature of the…

Institutions
17
offering CIP 40.02
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
201
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$35,171
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
2
College Scorecard
Median net price
$26,873
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
58%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Astronomers
$141,660
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree
$54,7464993%$19,500
2University of California - Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Public · Bachelor's degree
$35,1714675%$20,500

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Astronomers (SOC 19-2011).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+2.2%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$132,170
typically Doctoral or professional degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionScienceWritingMathematicsCritical ThinkingActive Listening

What Astronomers earn in California

Jobs in California
170
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$141,660
median $142,060
Best-paying metro

Related careers

Physicists
$187,720 avg · 6,220 jobs
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$143,790 avg · 1,700 jobs
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$138,700 avg · 1,070 jobs
Astronomers
$141,660 avg · 170 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Astronomy and Astrophysics programs in California.

Which Astronomy and Astrophysics program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of California - Berkeley tops the list at $54,746. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Astronomers earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Astronomers in California is $141,660 (median $142,060), across about 170 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Astronomy and Astrophysics program?+

The Astronomy and Astrophysics program focuses on the scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena, applying principles from physics and chemistry. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the nature of the…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, science, writing, mathematics, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Astronomers?+

The national job outlook is about +2.2% growth with around 100 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Doctoral or professional degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Astronomy and Astrophysics in other statesWisconsinColoradoMichiganTexasArizonaAlaskaArkansasConnecticut

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