2026 Best Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is The University Of Texas At Austin, our #1 best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics school in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
San Diego State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics ranking 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, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program 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. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Diego State University report
You'll get strong value at Texas A And M University College Station, which ranked #3 this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $20,031. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of California Berkeley came in at #4 on this year's best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics ranking in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
A rank of #5 makes Iowa State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #6 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Cornell University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. 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. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Arizona landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $25,406. 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. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #10 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. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. University Of Colorado Boulder Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $22,324 in debt. 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. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
Northwestern University placed #13 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Astronomy And Astrophysics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwestern University profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $16,097. A decade after starting, 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 Virginia Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $18,627. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Astronomy And Astrophysics students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,396. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants. More on University Of California Santa Cruz
Rochester Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,210. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $27,491. Median earnings reach $76,571 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rochester Institute Of Technology
Indiana University Bloomington placed #20 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Typical Astronomy And Astrophysics student debt is $20,542. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #21 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Michigan State University came in at #22 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, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $25,213. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Arizona State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Chicago
Boston University placed #25 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,238 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read more about Boston University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Astronomy And Astrophysics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,078. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $24,975. Median earnings reach $102,051 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,975 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
California Institute Of Technology ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pasadena, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,898. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $128,566. About 3% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Institute Of Technology
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. The median Astronomy And Astrophysics program debt is $19,137. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. More on San Francisco State University
Swarthmore College placed #30 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. See the full Swarthmore College profile
North Idaho College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. See the full North Idaho College profile
Texas Christian University placed #32 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Get the full Texas Christian University report
Calvin College
Calvin College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Calvin College
Glendale Community College Glendale Ca came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. More on Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Paradise Valley Community College placed #35 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. See the full Paradise Valley Community College profile
Amherst College
Amherst College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. See the full Amherst College profile
University Of Alaska Fairbanks placed #37 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Fairbanks
College Of Charleston offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. See the full College Of Charleston profile
Solano Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. More on Solano Community College
Valdosta State University placed #40 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Read the full report on Valdosta State University
Bryn Mawr College placed #41 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Read the full report on Bryn Mawr College
Palomar College
Palomar College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. More on Palomar College
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Mount Holyoke College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. More on Mount Holyoke College
San Bernardino Valley College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools. See the full San Bernardino Valley College profile
Suny At Geneseo
Suny At Geneseo placed #46 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Read more about Suny At Geneseo
Hartnell College
Hartnell College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Hartnell College
Lehigh University placed #48 among the best-value Astronomy And Astrophysics schools in the United States. Read the full report on Lehigh University
Washington University In St Louis came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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