2026 Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 163 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 evaluated schools to produce 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics school in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #2 makes University Of Wyoming one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Out of the 163 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, San Diego State University landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $16,417 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read the full report on San Diego State University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #4 on this year's best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
You'll get strong value at Ohio University Main Campus, which ranked #5 this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $21,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $23,530. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #8 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $20,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #10 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #11 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Illinois Institute Of Technology Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. Students from in state pay about $44,074 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Georgia ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. More on University Of Georgia
Northern Arizona University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,384 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,645 median debt. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
University Of Arizona landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. University Of Arizona Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $22,324. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Set against $22,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Colorado Boulder
Ball State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Ball State University Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $24,518 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. 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
University Of Iowa ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about University Of Iowa
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #22 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Michigan State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $25,213 in debt. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Michigan State University report
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $16,481. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Florida landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $17,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $23,138. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
University Of Chicago ranked #28 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. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $20,542 in debt. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Stony Brook University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $20,537. Stony Brook University alumni report median earnings of $74,502 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
George Mason University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full George Mason University report
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #33 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Median earnings reach $68,396 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
Williams College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Williams College is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamstown, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,560. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $12,615. Median earnings reach $88,665 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Williams College has an acceptance rate of 8%. See the full Williams College profile
University Of Kansas ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Kansas
Baylor University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $23,928. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,793 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,928 median debt. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted. More on Baylor University
Cornell University placed #37 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $15,005. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $18,627. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Union College New York ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Located in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,039. Graduates carry a median of $25,869 in student loans. Median earnings reach $88,604 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,869 median debt. Union College New York has an acceptance rate of 44%. Read the full report on Union College New York
Smith College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Northampton, MA, Smith College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,178. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $18,941. Smith College alumni report median earnings of $64,027 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 21% of applicants are accepted. See the full Smith College profile
Valparaiso University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,450. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $26,724. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Valparaiso University
Wayne State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Wayne State University is a public school based in Detroit, MI. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Wayne State University Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $26,689 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,493. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Wayne State University
College Of Charleston landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charleston, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $12,978, compared with $38,296 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,733 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. College Of Charleston alumni report median earnings of $56,416 a decade after entry. Set against $24,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Charleston admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on College Of Charleston
Boston University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,238. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants. Read more about Boston University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #45 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $19,137. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $83,648 a decade after entry. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Emory University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emory University admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full Emory University report
California Institute Of Technology placed #47 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. California Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Pasadena, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,898. California Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $128,566 a decade after entry. California Institute Of Technology admits about 3% of applicants. Read more about California Institute Of Technology
Franklin And Marshall College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Franklin And Marshall College
Orange Coast College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Orange Coast College
University Of Toledo came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full University Of Toledo report
Related Astronomy And Astrophysics Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).
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