Best colleges for Astronomy and Astrophysics
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Astronomy and Astrophysics by graduate earnings are University of California-Berkeley ($54,746), University of Wisconsin-Madison ($45,783) and University of Colorado Boulder ($45,066), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): $54,746, 60 graduates a year
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI): $45,783, 30 graduates a year
- University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO): $45,066, 82 graduates a year
- Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA): $39,728, 32 graduates a year
- University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA): $35,171, 59 graduates a year
Compare 126 U.S. colleges offering Astronomy and Astrophysics by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 38 states.
Astronomy and Astrophysics programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $39,728 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 40.02 and the Astronomers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Astronomy and Astrophysics programs
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 universe, including the behavior and properties of heavenly bodies, rather than just their positions in space. Students will engage in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field, utilizing advanced technology and research methods.
Students in this program will develop essential skills in reading comprehension, mathematics, and critical thinking. Coursework often includes in-depth studies of physics, astronomy, and the use of scientific instruments, preparing students for a comprehensive understanding of celestial phenomena and research methodologies.
Top 7 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $54,746 | 60 | 93% | — | $19,500 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,783 | 30 | 90% | — | $19,500 |
| 3 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,066 | 82 | 74% | — | $22,324 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,728 | 32 | 86% | — | $24,678 |
| 5 | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,171 | 59 | 75% | — | $20,500 |
| 6 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,373 | 44 | 81% | — | — |
| 7 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,404 | 52 | 89% | — | $25,250 |
Specializations within Astronomy and Astrophysics
4 of the 4 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 40.02 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 38 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 19 | $54,746 | University of California-Berkeley |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | $45,783 | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | $45,066 | University of Colorado Boulder |
| Pennsylvania | 8 | $39,728 | Pennsylvania State University |
| Michigan | 5 | $33,373 | Michigan State University |
| Texas | 5 | $29,404 | The University of Texas at Austin |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizona | 7 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| District of Columbialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Florida | 3 | — | — |
| Georgia | 6 | — | — |
| Hawaiilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Illinois | 5 | — | — |
| Indiana | 4 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 11 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 2 | — | — |
| New York | 11 | — | — |
| Ohio | 6 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Wyominglimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2011, Astronomers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Astronomy and Astrophysics program can pursue careers in research and academia, with a median wage of $132,170. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.2% and approximately 100 annual openings. A doctoral or professional degree is typically required for these positions.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Astronomy and Astrophysics
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 40.02.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 40.02 (Astronomy and Astrophysics) maps to 5 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-2011 | Astronomersprimary |
| 19-2012 | Physicists |
| 25-1051 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1054 | Physics Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Astronomy and Astrophysics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Astronomy and Astrophysics program?+
The program focuses on the study of celestial objects and phenomena using principles from physics and chemistry.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop skills in mathematics, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and scientific research.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
Graduates can expect a median wage of $132,170, with a job outlook growth rate of 2.2%.
What level of education is typically required?+
A doctoral or professional degree is typically required for careers in this field.
How much do Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates earn?+
Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $39,728, College Scorecard (2019); the Astronomers occupation pays about $132,920 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Astronomy and Astrophysics?+
Astronomy and Astrophysics maps to CIP 40.02 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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