Best institutions to study Physics and Astronomy
Compare 5 U.S. colleges offering Physics and Astronomy by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 4 states.
About Physics and Astronomy programs
The Physics and Astronomy program focuses on the scientific study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. Students in this program delve into the principles of physics and explore astronomical phenomena, preparing them for advanced research and practical applications in various scientific fields. This program is ideal for those with a strong interest in understanding the natural world and its underlying principles.
Students will develop core skills in science, mathematics, and critical thinking, alongside knowledge in physics, engineering, and technology. Coursework typically includes complex calculations, data analysis, and the design of computer simulations to model physical phenomena.
Top 5 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
Offered across 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2012, Physicists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Physics and Astronomy program can pursue careers in various scientific fields, with a projected job growth rate of 4% and approximately 1,700 annual openings. The median annual wage for professionals in this field is $166,290, and most positions require a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Physics and Astronomy
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 40.11.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 40.11 (Physics and Astronomy) 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 | Astronomers |
| 19-2012 | Physicistsprimary |
| 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 Physics and Astronomy 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
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
- Write research proposals to receive funding.
- Teach physics to students.
Concentrations within Physics and Astronomy
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Physics and AstronomyCIP 40.1101
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the theories that explain the fundamental structure of our world and the universe and which draws from physics and astronomy
Common questions
What is the focus of the Physics and Astronomy program?+
The program focuses on the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of the universe.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
You will gain skills in science, mathematics, critical thinking, and data analysis.
What are the career prospects for graduates?+
Graduates can expect a 4% job growth rate with about 1,700 annual openings in the field.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions in this field require a doctoral or professional degree.
What is the CIP code for Physics and Astronomy?+
Physics and Astronomy maps to CIP 40.11 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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