Need a student loan? Easily find and compare lenders.

NEW! See Our 2024 Hidden Gem Rankings!

Search for a different college major

Astronomy

Select Type of Degree:

Select State:


#1 #1 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Chicago Chicago, IL Every application received by UChicago is carefully reviewed several times and presented to a committee. Acceptance Rate 5% Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score 1,500–1,570 Est. Net Price * $36,991 Median Starting Salary $47,839
#2 #2 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO the University of Colorado Boulder is a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 81% Annual Degrees Awarded 55 SAT Score 1,190–1,410 Est. Net Price * $21,836 Median Starting Salary $54,551
#3 #3 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, MA Mount Holyoke College is known for being a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 40% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 1,360–1,540 Est. Net Price * $35,765 Median Starting Salary $53,554
#4 #4 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA the University of Washington-Seattle Campus is known for being a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 48% Annual Degrees Awarded 37 SAT Score 1,230–1,460 Est. Net Price * $10,603 Median Starting Salary $48,965
#5 #5 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY Vassar College is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 19% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,430–1,530 Est. Net Price * $30,603 Median Starting Salary $53,395
#6 #6 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Amherst College Amherst, MA Amherst College is widely considered to be one of the most selective liberal arts schools in the country, ... Acceptance Rate 7% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,430–1,550 Est. Net Price * $21,367 Median Starting Salary $48,427
#7 #7 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Smith College Northampton, MA Smith College is a extremely selective school. They receive about 7,300 applications each year. Acceptance Rate 23% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,390–1,520 Est. Net Price * $30,790 Median Starting Salary $57,404
#8 #8 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Overall, The University of Texas at Austin is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 31% Annual Degrees Awarded 26 SAT Score 1,240–1,490 Est. Net Price * $17,434 Median Starting Salary $50,842
#9 #9 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH Ohio State University-Main Campus is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 53% Annual Degrees Awarded 21 SAT Score 1,340–1,450 Est. Net Price * $19,582 Median Starting Salary $53,003
#10 #10 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Bryn Mawr College Bryn Mawr, PA Bryn Mawr College is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 31% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,310–1,490 Est. Net Price * $39,072 Median Starting Salary $58,310
#11 #11 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD the University of Maryland-College Park is known for being a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 45% Annual Degrees Awarded 17 SAT Score 1,360–1,520 Est. Net Price * $16,210 Median Starting Salary $52,543
#12 #12 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Villanova University Villanova, PA Villanova University is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 23% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,400–1,500 Est. Net Price * $34,837 Median Starting Salary $59,323
#13 #13 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Generally, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 18% Annual Degrees Awarded 14 SAT Score 1,370–1,530 Est. Net Price * $19,318 Median Starting Salary $52,021
#14 #14 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Arizona Tucson, AZ the University of Arizona is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 21 SAT Score 1,110–1,360 Est. Net Price * $17,075 Median Starting Salary $51,739
#15 #15 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL In general, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 45% Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score 1,330–1,510 Est. Net Price * $14,544 Median Starting Salary $52,462
#16 #16 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA For students interested in applying to UVA, application packets should include none, but none are also... Acceptance Rate 19% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 1,410–1,530 Est. Net Price * $19,469 Median Starting Salary $54,057
#17 #17 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Florida Gainesville, FL the University of Florida is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 23% Annual Degrees Awarded 14 SAT Score 1,310–1,480 Est. Net Price * $11,740 Median Starting Salary $48,925
#18 #18 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ Generally, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 68% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,180–1,390 Est. Net Price * $38,909 Median Starting Salary $50,616
#19 #19 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN Indiana University-Bloomington is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 82% Annual Degrees Awarded 13 SAT Score 1,220–1,420 Est. Net Price * $16,234 Median Starting Salary $56,700
#20 #20 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 64% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 1,280–1,480 Est. Net Price * $22,291 Median Starting Salary $55,511
#21 #21 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Wellesley College Wellesley, MA Wellesley College is a extremely selective school. The school receives 8,491 applications every admission... Acceptance Rate 14% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,440–1,550 Est. Net Price * $21,362 Median Starting Salary $51,453
#22 #22 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Lycoming College Williamsport, PA Lycoming College is a somewhat selective school. They receive approximately 3,000 applications each year. Acceptance Rate 75% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,060–1,240 Est. Net Price * $19,697 Median Starting Salary $55,274
#23 #23 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Yale University New Haven, CT When applying for Yale, it is extremely important to keep in mind that they are one of the most selective... Acceptance Rate 5% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,490–1,570 Est. Net Price * $18,647 Median Starting Salary $47,331
#24 #24 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY Overall, Stony Brook University is a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 49% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 1,320–1,500 Est. Net Price * $17,213 Median Starting Salary $49,020
#25 #25 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Haverford College Haverford, PA Haverford College is a extremely selective school. They receive approximately 5,700 applications each year. Acceptance Rate 14% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,440–1,540 Est. Net Price * $23,476 Median Starting Salary $51,848
#26 #26 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY Columbia University requires all freshman students to apply online, using either The Coalition Application... Acceptance Rate 4% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,500–1,570 Est. Net Price * $22,058 Median Starting Salary $44,723
#27 #27 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Barnard College New York, NY Barnard College is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 9% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,440–1,530 Est. Net Price * $26,009 Median Starting Salary $52,732
#28 #28 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Cornell University Ithaca, NY Cornell University is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 7% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,470–1,570 Est. Net Price * $26,060 Median Starting Salary $52,939
#29 #29 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Wesleyan University Middletown, CT Generally, Wesleyan University is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 14% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,350–1,510 Est. Net Price * $21,270 Median Starting Salary $56,208
#30 #30 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Georgia Athens, GA the University of Georgia is known for being a highly selective school. Acceptance Rate 43% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,250–1,430 Est. Net Price * $17,180 Median Starting Salary $53,664
#31 #31 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Brigham Young University Provo, UT Generally, Brigham Young University is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 67% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 1,280–1,440 Est. Net Price * $13,521 Median Starting Salary $51,255
#32 #32 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Dartmouth College Hanover, NH Every year, approximately 28,300 students apply to Dartmouth through the Common Application. Acceptance Rate 6% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,490–1,570 Est. Net Price * $19,208 Median Starting Salary $51,182
#33 #33 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Brown University Providence, RI Every year, 50,600 students apply to Brown University through the Common Application. Acceptance Rate 5% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,500–1,590 Est. Net Price * $26,723 Median Starting Salary $53,891
#34 #34 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Benedictine College Atchison, KS In general, Benedictine College is a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,110–1,330 Est. Net Price * $30,067 Median Starting Salary $60,564
#35 #35 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Whitman College Walla Walla, WA Whitman College is a highly selective school. They receive roughly 5,500 applications annually. Acceptance Rate 48% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,340–1,470 Est. Net Price * $39,935 Median Starting Salary $58,773
#36 #36 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Boston University Boston, MA Boston University is a extremely selective school. Approximately 80,800 applications are received by Boston... Acceptance Rate 14% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,370–1,500 Est. Net Price * $27,829 Median Starting Salary $54,842
#37 #37 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH In general, Case Western Reserve University is known for being a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 27% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,420–1,540 Est. Net Price * $38,279 Median Starting Salary $55,246
#38 #38 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA In general, the University of Southern California is a extremely selective school. Acceptance Rate 12% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,450–1,550 Est. Net Price * $36,808 Median Starting Salary $48,469
#39 #39 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Union College Schenectady, NY Generally, Union College is a highly selective school. They receive about 8,460 applications every admission... Acceptance Rate 47% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,320–1,490 Est. Net Price * $41,136 Median Starting Salary $63,492
#40 #40 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo, HI the University of Hawaii at Hilo is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 84% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 920–1,130 Est. Net Price * $13,867 Median Starting Salary $51,738
#41 #41 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Drake University Des Moines, IA Drake University is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 67% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,180–1,360 Est. Net Price * $30,333 Median Starting Salary $58,533
#42 #42 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI In general, Central Michigan University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,000–1,230 Est. Net Price * $15,605 Median Starting Salary $55,759
#43 #43 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, NY State University of New York at New Paltz is a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 58% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,180–1,340 Est. Net Price * $19,592 Median Starting Salary $53,145
#44 #44 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Iowa Iowa City, IA the University of Iowa is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,120–1,320 Est. Net Price * $19,587 Median Starting Salary $56,402
#45 #45 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. George Mason University Fairfax, VA George Mason University is a non selective school. The school receives approximately 20,000 applications... Acceptance Rate 90% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,150–1,360 Est. Net Price * $18,479 Median Starting Salary $51,794
#46 #46 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Kansas Lawrence, KS the University of Kansas is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 88% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,090–1,320 Est. Net Price * $18,950 Median Starting Salary $54,693
#47 #47 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK Generally, the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 73% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,140–1,340 Est. Net Price * $22,601 Median Starting Salary $52,182
#48 #48 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. San Diego State University San Diego, CA San Diego State University is a highly selective school. They receive approximately 77,000 applications every... Acceptance Rate 39% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,100–1,320 Est. Net Price * $13,017 Median Starting Salary $49,978
#49 #49 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI the University of Hawaii at Manoa is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 73% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 990–1,210 Est. Net Price * $13,639 Median Starting Salary $51,958
#50 #50 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Ball State University Muncie, IN Generally, Ball State University is a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 69% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,100–1,270 Est. Net Price * $12,615 Median Starting Salary $57,633
#51 #51 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Youngstown State University Youngstown, OH Overall, Youngstown State University is known for being a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 81% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 950–1,180 Est. Net Price * $11,900 Median Starting Salary $53,351
#52 #52 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Montana State University Bozeman, MT Montana State University is a fairly selective school. The institution receives approximately 28,800... Acceptance Rate 73% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,060–1,290 Est. Net Price * $17,250 Median Starting Salary $53,483
#53 #53 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Northern Arizona University is a somewhat selective school. Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 990–1,190 Est. Net Price * $17,115 Median Starting Salary $53,676
#54 #54 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA Valdosta State University is known for being a non selective school. Acceptance Rate 89% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 950–1,120 Est. Net Price * $12,836 Median Starting Salary $52,762
#55 #55 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is known for being a fairly selective school. Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 28 SAT Score 1,220–1,400 Est. Net Price * $26,747 Median Starting Salary $53,204
*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About Astronomy

A general program that focuses on the planetary, galactic, and stellar phenomena occurring in outer space. Includes instruction in celestial mechanics, cosmology, stellar physics, galactic evolution, quasars, stellar distribution and motion, interstellar medium, atomic and molecular constituents of astronomical phenomena, planetary science, solar system evolution, and specific methodologies such as optical astronomy, radioastronomy, and theoretical astronomy.

While Astronomy offers degrees up to the Post masters certificate, the majority of students earn a Bachelors degree. Students major in Astronomy all over the country, though the major at the Bachelors degree level sees the most graduates in Colorado. The average starting salary for a graduate with a bachelor's degree in Astronomy is $51,867.

Popularity of Astronomy Degrees in the U.S.

This heat map represents the states that have the highest percent of Astronomy degrees compared to all other degrees awarded in that state.

Less Popular

More Popular

Careers

Some top careers related to Astronomy, include Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Astronomers, both of which have many employment opportunities. Though there are careers that pay more, such as Astronomers. the most in-demand position for Astronomy majors is Natural Sciences Managers.

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Astronomy majors.

Most In-Demand Careers

These are the careers in highest demand for Astronomy majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students

445

Female Students

187 (42%)

Male Students

258 (57%)

Resources for:

Astronomy

#1 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

5%

16

1,500–1,570

$36,991

$47,839

#2 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

81%

55

1,190–1,410

$21,836

$54,551

#3 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

40%

11

1,360–1,540

$35,765

$53,554

#4 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

48%

37

1,230–1,460

$10,603

$48,965

#5 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

19%

6

1,430–1,530

$30,603

$53,395

#6 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

7%

4

1,430–1,550

$21,367

$48,427

#7 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

23%

5

1,390–1,520

$30,790

$57,404

#8 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

31%

26

1,240–1,490

$17,434

$50,842

#9 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

53%

21

1,340–1,450

$19,582

$53,003

#10 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

31%

3

1,310–1,490

$39,072

$58,310

#11 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

45%

17

1,360–1,520

$16,210

$52,543

#12 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

23%

8

1,400–1,500

$34,837

$59,323

#13 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.

18%

14

1,370–1,530

$19,318

$52,021

#14 Best College for Astronomy in the U.S.