Virginia · Astronomy and Astrophysics

Best institutions to study Astronomy and Astrophysics in Virginia

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
2
offering CIP 40.02
States offered
38
with a program page
Degrees / yr
32
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
IPEDS 2024–25
Avg graduation rate
82%
IPEDS 2024–25
State pay · Astronomers
$132,650
BLS OEWS May 2025

2 institutions offering Astronomy and Astrophysics in Virginia

Graduate earnings are not yet reported for these institutions; ordered by completions.

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Virginia - Main Campus
Charlottesville Public
2696%
2George Mason University
Fairfax Public
668%

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 Virginia

Jobs in Virginia
BLS OEWS May 2025
State average pay
$132,650
median $128,930
Best-paying metro

Related careers

Physicists
$159,320 avg · 940 jobs
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$105,830 avg · 610 jobs
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$130,070 avg · 230 jobs
Astronomers
$132,650

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Astronomy and Astrophysics programs in Virginia.

How much do Astronomers earn in Virginia?+

The average annual wage for Astronomers in Virginia is $132,650 (median $128,930). Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.

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).

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.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
PSEO graduate earnings2019–21 graduation cohorts (release V4.13.0)
Earnings and employment outcomes of graduates by institution, degree level, and field of study, measured from state wage records.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.
FVT/GE program performanceProvisional preview, May 18, 2026 release
Program-level debt-to-earnings and earnings-premium measures behind the FVT/GE and STATS accountability frameworks.

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