2026 Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Schools
Looking for the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 163 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics school in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
A rank of #3 makes San Diego State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $16,417. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on San Diego State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University College Station earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Out of the 163 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #5 spot. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $23,495. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $21,181 in debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #8 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $21,577. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $24,546. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Cornell University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $20,778. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of California Berkeley placed #12 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Arizona ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $25,406. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
Northwestern University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. More on Northwestern University
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Illinois Institute Of Technology Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. Students from in state pay about $44,074 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of Georgia came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $21,792. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Students borrow a median of $22,324 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
Northern Arizona University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $21,645. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Northern Arizona University profile
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $24,518. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ball State University report
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Iowa came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Rochester Institute Of Technology ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $59,210. Rochester Institute Of Technology Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $27,491 in debt. Median earnings reach $76,571 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,491 median debt. Rochester Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants. Get the full Rochester Institute Of Technology report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #27 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $25,234. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $24,958. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,125 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Michigan State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $25,213. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $16,481. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $20,542 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $17,669. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida
Arizona State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #35 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
University Of Chicago ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about University Of Chicago
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #38 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $20,500. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Santa Cruz profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $18,627. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Stony Brook University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Stony Brook University admits about 49% of applicants. Get the full Stony Brook University report
George Mason University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Based in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $23,529. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,343 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full George Mason University report
University Of Kansas placed #42 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $23,608. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Williams College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,560. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $12,615. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $88,665. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. More on Williams College
Baylor University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $23,928. Median earnings reach $65,793 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 51% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Baylor University report
Union College New York landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,039. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $25,869. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,604 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,869 median debt. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Union College New York report
Johns Hopkins University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $13,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Johns Hopkins University
Smith College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Smith College is a private not-for-profit school based in Northampton, MA. Students from in state pay about $65,178 in tuition and fees. Smith College Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $18,941 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,027. That is a strong return on a $18,941 median debt. About 21% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Smith College profile
Valparaiso University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,450. Valparaiso University Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $26,724 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,191 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Valparaiso University profile
Wayne State University placed #49 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Based in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $26,689. Wayne State University alumni report median earnings of $53,493 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wayne State University report
College Of Charleston landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charleston, SC, College Of Charleston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,978 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,296 for out-of-state students. College Of Charleston Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $24,733 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,416. Set against $24,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Charleston has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about College Of Charleston
Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 163 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).