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Astrophysics

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#1 #1 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA The popular choices for majors at Caltech are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, General, Mathematics, General, and Computational Mathematics. The school has six divisions, all with emphasis on science and engineering, which include 24 majors and 6 minors....view more Acceptance Rate 3% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,540–1,590 Median Starting Salary $45,431
#2 #2 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA At the University of California-Santa Cruz, the most popular majors students pursue are Computer Science, Behavioral Sciences, and Business/Managerial Economics. In fact, the University of California-Santa Cruz awards 684 degrees annually to Computer Science majors....view more Acceptance Rate 66% Annual Degrees Awarded 40 SAT Score 1,180–1,390 Median Starting Salary $50,225
#3 #3 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA At the University of California-Berkeley, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Computer and Information Sciences, Other, Computer Science, and Econometrics and Quantitative Economics....view more Acceptance Rate 11% Annual Degrees Awarded 48 SAT Score 1,330–1,540 Median Starting Salary $46,089
#4 #4 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Princeton University Princeton, NJ Princeton University has 37 different concentrations for undergraduates. These include humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Currently, the most popular majors throughout the school are Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Public Policy Analysis, General, History, General, and......view more Acceptance Rate 5% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 1,510–1,570 Median Starting Salary $45,950
#5 #5 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Whitman College Walla Walla, WA Each year, Whitman College awards about 37 degrees to students majoring in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 38% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,330–1,480 Median Starting Salary $58,773
#6 #6 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster, PA Annually, Franklin and Marshall College awards around 75 degrees to students studying Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 28% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,330–1,470 Median Starting Salary $59,478
#7 #7 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA At the University of California-Los Angeles, the most popular majors students study are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Psychology, General, Political Science and Government, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 9% Annual Degrees Awarded 23 SAT Score 1,320–1,540 Median Starting Salary $46,944
#8 #8 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Wellesley College Wellesley, MA At Wellesley College, the three most popular college majors students study are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Political Science and Government, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 14% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,460–1,560 Median Starting Salary $51,453
#9 #9 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Colgate University Hamilton, NY At Colgate University, the three most popular college majors students study are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Political Science and Government, General, and Computer Science. In fact, Colgate University awards 118 degrees every year to Econometrics and Quantitative Economics majors....view more Acceptance Rate 14% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,450–1,530 Median Starting Salary $53,998
#10 #10 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Each year, the University of Wisconsin-Madison awards around 766 degrees to students majoring in Computer and Information Sciences, General, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 45% Annual Degrees Awarded 23 SAT Score 1,360–1,480 Median Starting Salary $57,440
#11 #11 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Every year, Michigan State University awards around 586 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Advertising, Psychology, General, Computer and Information Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 29 SAT Score 1,190–1,370 Median Starting Salary $55,827
#12 #12 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of Minnesota Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the most popular majors students pursue are Computer Science, Psychology, General, Finance, and General. In fact, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities awards 617 degrees per year to graduating Computer Science students....view more Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 21 SAT Score 1,260–1,420 Median Starting Salary $55,287
#13 #13 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Agnes Scott College Decatur, GA Each year, Agnes Scott College grants about 33 degrees to those studying Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 62% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,180–1,360 Median Starting Salary $54,225
#14 #14 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 42% Annual Degrees Awarded 19 SAT Score 1,330–1,520 Median Starting Salary $52,462
#15 #15 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY Columbia University is separated into 20 different schools which include the College, global research outposts, Juilliard School, Barnard College, and more. Each new student will meet with an adviser to go over their plan and schedule for the upcoming year....view more Acceptance Rate 4% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 1,510–1,570 Median Starting Salary $44,723
#16 #16 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL At Illinois Institute of Technology, the most popular majors students pursue are Computer Science, Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology, and Mechanical Engineering. In fact, Illinois Institute of Technology grants 111 degrees per year to graduating Computer Science students....view more Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,200–1,440 Median Starting Salary $47,166
#17 #17 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Yale University New Haven, CT Yale offers students seventy possible majors, which must be declared by sophomore or junior years, but students are always welcome to change. Some of the top majors currently are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Computer and Information Sciences, General, History, General, Political Science and Government, General,......view more Acceptance Rate 4% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,470–1,570 Median Starting Salary $47,331
#18 #18 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Lycoming College Williamsport, PA Each year, Lycoming College grants around 41 degrees to students studying Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Psychology, General, Criminology, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 74% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,080–1,300 Median Starting Salary $55,274
#19 #19 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA At Carnegie Mellon University, the three most popular college majors students study are Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 12% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,500–1,570 Median Starting Salary $54,438
#20 #20 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Williams College Williamstown, MA With 24 departments and 35 majors, a majority of students decide to study in one of these five: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Art/Art Studies, General, English Language and Literature, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 8% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,500–1,560 Median Starting Salary $49,376
#21 #21 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ At Rutgers University-New Brunswick, the three most popular college majors students study are Computer and Information Sciences, General, Psychology, General, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 58% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 1,310–1,500 Median Starting Salary $50,308
#22 #22 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Tufts University Medford, MA Every year, Tufts University grants about 222 degrees to those majoring in Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and International Relations and Affairs....view more Acceptance Rate 11% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,470–1,560 Median Starting Salary $54,570
#23 #23 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Rice University Houston, TX Each year, Rice University grants about 197 degrees to those studying Computer and Information Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 8% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,510–1,570 Median Starting Salary $50,667
#24 #24 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Haverford College Haverford, PA Every year, Haverford College awards around 42 degrees to those majoring in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 12% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,460–1,550 Median Starting Salary $51,848
#25 #25 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Swarthmore College Swarthmore, PA A liberal arts college, the most popular majors at Swarthmore are Economics, General, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Mathematics, General, Engineering, General, Political Science and Government, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 7% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,490–1,560 Median Starting Salary $48,356
#26 #26 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO At Washington University in St Louis, the most popular majors students study are Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, and Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. In fact, Washington University in St Louis grants 160 degrees annually to graduating Computer Science students....view more Acceptance Rate 12% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,480–1,560 Median Starting Salary $54,710
#27 #27 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Baylor University Waco, TX At Baylor University, the three most popular college majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, and Other....view more Acceptance Rate 51% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,230–1,420 Median Starting Salary $56,436
#28 #28 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA At Lehigh University, the most popular majors students pursue are Computer Science, Finance, General, and Mechanical Engineering. In fact, Lehigh University awards 163 degrees per year to graduating Computer Science students....view more Acceptance Rate 26% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,380–1,500 Median Starting Salary $55,227
#29 #29 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Siena University Loudonville, NY Annually, Siena University grants around 109 degrees to those studying Psychology, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, General, and Accounting....view more Acceptance Rate 69% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,140–1,380 Median Starting Salary $59,748
#30 #30 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, and General. In fact, the University of Hawaii at Manoa awards 282 degrees annually to Psychology, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 970–1,240 Median Starting Salary $51,958
#31 #31 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. SUNY College at Geneseo Geneseo, NY Annually, SUNY College at Geneseo awards about 119 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 66% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,200–1,360 Median Starting Salary $57,538
#32 #32 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK At the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Organizational Behavior Studies, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 77% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,140–1,340 Median Starting Salary $52,182
#33 #33 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, OH Annually, Ohio Wesleyan University awards about 28 degrees to students majoring in Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 56% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,180–1,390 Median Starting Salary $57,882
#34 #34 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. DePaul University Chicago, IL At DePaul University, the three most popular college majors students study are Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Finance, General, Psychology, and General. In fact, DePaul University grants 313 degrees every year to graduating Cinematography and Film/Video Production students....view more Acceptance Rate 76% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,160–1,350 Median Starting Salary $54,611
#35 #35 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH Each year, Ohio University-Main Campus grants around 1035 degrees to students studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Psychology, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,110–1,310 Median Starting Salary $54,940
#36 #36 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH Every year, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus awards about 419 degrees to those majoring in Marketing/Marketing Management, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,180–1,350 Median Starting Salary $53,374
#37 #37 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. Oglethorpe University Atlanta, GA Every year, Oglethorpe University awards about 64 degrees to students studying Business Administration and Management, General, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 88% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,100–1,340 Median Starting Salary $51,940
#38 #38 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S. University of New Mexico-Main Campus Albuquerque, NM At the University of New Mexico-Main Campus, the most popular majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse....view more Acceptance Rate 95% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 910–1,180 Median Starting Salary $50,730
*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About Astrophysics

A program that focuses on the theoretical and observational study of the structure, properties, and behavior of stars, star systems and clusters, stellar life cycles, and related phenomena. Includes instruction in cosmology, plasma kinetics, stellar physics, convolution and non-equilibrium radiation transfer theory, non-Euclidean geometries, mathematical modeling, galactic structure theory, and relativistic astronomy.

California grants the most Bachelors degrees in Astrophysics of all US states with 119 degrees being granted last year. Students wanting to major in Astrophysics can expect around 45% percent of their classmates to be women and 55% percent of their classmates to be male. The majority students graduating in this field earn a Bachelors degree. The average annual income for an undergraduate degree in Astrophysics is $51,867.

Popularity of Astrophysics Degrees in the U.S.

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

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Careers

For Astrophysics majors, some of the most in demand careers include Natural Sciences Managers, Physicists and Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. Additionally, Astrophysics graduates may land a high-paying job, such as Physicists or Natural Sciences Managers.

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Astrophysics majors.

Most In-Demand Careers

These are the careers in highest demand for Astrophysics majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students

366

Female Students

166 (45%)

Male Students

200 (54%)

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Astrophysics

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

3%

8

1,540–1,590

$45,431

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

66%

40

1,180–1,390

$50,225

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

11%

48

1,330–1,540

$46,089

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

5%

10

1,510–1,570

$45,950

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

38%

7

1,330–1,480

$58,773

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

28%

7

1,330–1,470

$59,478

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

9%

23

1,320–1,540

$46,944

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

14%

6

1,460–1,560

$51,453

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

14%

8

1,450–1,530

$53,998

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

45%

23

1,360–1,480

$57,440

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

85%

29

1,190–1,370

$55,827

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

80%

21

1,260–1,420

$55,287

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

62%

5

1,180–1,360

$54,225

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

42%

19

1,330–1,520

$52,462

#15 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S.

4%

11

1,510–1,570

$44,723

#16 Best College for Astrophysics in the U.S.

55%

7

1,200–1,440