2026 Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 163 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found The University Of Texas At Austin to be the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics school in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Out of the 163 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of California Berkeley landed the #2 spot. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
You'll get strong value at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Cornell University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics ranking in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $15,005. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cornell University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #5 on this year's best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics ranking in the United States. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #6 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $21,181 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $21,181 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #7 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. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $20,836. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, 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. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Northwestern University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwestern University
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $22,324 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,324 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Arizona ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. University Of Arizona Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,396. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
Rochester Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $27,491. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,571. Set against $27,491 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read more about Rochester Institute Of Technology
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of California Los Angeles placed #16 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Arizona State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $21,842. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Get the full Arizona State University report
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
University Of Chicago came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. University Of Chicago Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Chicago
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Michigan State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan State University profile
Johns Hopkins University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
Boston University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $25,232. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,238. That is a strong return on a $25,232 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Boston University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #24 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
California Institute Of Technology landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. California Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Pasadena, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,898. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $128,566. California Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 3%. More on California Institute Of Technology
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Bennington College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Bennington College
Moorpark College
Moorpark College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. See the full Moorpark College profile
San Diego State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. See the full San Diego State University profile
Stony Brook University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Stony Brook University profile
Youngstown State University placed #30 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Hampton University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Hampton University profile
Case Western Reserve University placed #32 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Read more about Case Western Reserve University
Crafton Hills College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Read the full report on Crafton Hills College
George Washington University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Read more about George Washington University
Ohio University Lancaster Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. See the full Ohio University Lancaster Campus profile
Texas Christian University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Whitman College
Whitman College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read the full report on Whitman College
Snow College
Snow College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. See the full Snow College profile
Ohio University Zanesville Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Read more about Ohio University Zanesville Campus
San Diego City College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about San Diego City College
Haverford College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Haverford College
College Of Charleston offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on College Of Charleston
Ohio University Southern Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Ohio University Southern Campus
Swarthmore College placed #45 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Get the full Swarthmore College report
Montana State University placed #46 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Read more about Montana State University
Santa Barbara City College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Santa Barbara City College
South Mountain Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. See the full South Mountain Community College profile
Villanova University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on Villanova University
Glendale Community College Glendale Az placed #50 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. More on Glendale Community College Glendale Az
Related Astronomy And Astrophysics Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Master’s 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).
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