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Best Schools for Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates earn a median of $35,354 within two years of graduation, ranking #152 out of 292 tracked majors. There are 5 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 70 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduates earn $43,798 while University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $26,353 — a $17,445 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

5
Schools
$35,354
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#152
of 292 Majors
70
Graduates

Public vs Private: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Public (4 schools)
$33,244
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (1 schools)
$43,798
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $10,554 more in early earnings on average for Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Astronomy and Astrophysics by State

New York
1 schools
$43,798
California
1 schools
$36,848
Texas
1 schools
$36,848
Colorado
1 schools
$32,925
Wisconsin
1 schools
$26,353

Top Astronomy and Astrophysics Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
T

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

New York, NY · Private

$43,798
2yr Earnings
1yr: $42,379
Grads: 16
Acceptance: 19.1%
#2
U

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 11.7%
#3
T

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr: $42,770
Grads: 23
Acceptance: 29.1%
#4
U

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public

$32,925
2yr Earnings
1yr: $37,212
Grads: 31
Acceptance: 83.3%
#5
U

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

$26,353
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 43.4%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $35,506 Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $35,464 Biotechnology $35,422 Sustainability Studies $35,399 Agriculture, General $35,381 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies $35,352

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Astronomy and Astrophysics?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art ranks #1 for Astronomy and Astrophysics with median graduate earnings of $43,798 within two years. There are 5 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates earn?
Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates earn an average of $35,354 within two years of graduation. This is near the median across all majors. Earnings range from $26,353 to $43,798 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Astronomy and Astrophysics program?
The average acceptance rate across Astronomy and Astrophysics programs is 37.3%. The most selective program is at University of California-Berkeley with a 11.7% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Astronomy and Astrophysics?
Private Astronomy and Astrophysics programs average $43,798 in early earnings vs $33,244 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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