Astronomy

CIP Code: 40.0201

A astronomy degree prepares graduates for careers in Natural sciences managers, Astronomers, Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary. 83 colleges and universities offer this program.

Annual Degrees Awarded
876
Colleges Offering 83
Avg. Career Salary $131,580
Top Career Salary $161,180

Astronomy Salary by College

Nationally, bachelor’s graduates in this field earn a median $68,333 four years after graduating (middle half: $44,049–$98,743). Where you study it matters: across 4 colleges with reported results, pay ranges from $65,987 to $90,943.

Sort by:

#College4 yrs afterWage-adjusted1 yr afterMedian debtOutcome Rating
1University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA$90,943$82,752$54,746$19,500A+
2University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO$72,698$67,987$45,066$21,500B+
3Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA$66,759$67,894$39,728$24,614A
4The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX$65,987$67,089$29,404—A+

Bachelor’s degrees. Wage-adjusted = pay ÷ √(state wage index). Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data.

What Can You Do With a Astronomy Degree?

Graduates with this degree pursue careers in the following fields:

Natural sciences managers

$161,180 +3.7% growth

Astronomers

$132,170 +2.2% growth

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary

$101,390 +2.6% growth
$131,580
Average Salary Across Careers
$161,180
Highest Paying Career
3
Career Paths Available

Best Colleges for Astronomy

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees awarded. These are the top-rated colleges that produce the most graduates in astronomy.

# College Location Degrees Awarded Repit Grade
1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 27 A+
2 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 43 A
3 University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA 39 A
4 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 35 A
5 University of Chicago Chicago, IL 34 A
6 Boston University Boston, MA 25 A
7 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA 49 B+
8 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA 48 B+
9 University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD 41 B+
10 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH 36 B+
11 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL 27 B+
12 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO 63 B
13 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 38 B

Largest Astronomy Programs

Schools ranked by number of graduates. These institutions produce the most astronomy graduates annually, including online and distance learning programs.

# College Location Degrees Awarded Repit Grade
1 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO 63 B
2 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA 49 B+
3 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA 48 B+
4 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 43 A
5 University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD 41 B+
6 University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA 39 A
7 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 38 B
8 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH 36 B+
9 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 35 A
10 University of Chicago Chicago, IL 34 A
11 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 27 A+
12 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL 27 B+
13 Boston University Boston, MA 25 A
876
Degrees Awarded Annually
83
Colleges Offering Program
3
Related Careers

About Astronomy

Astronomy is a degree program offered at 83 colleges and universities across the United States. Each year, approximately 876 students graduate with this degree.

Graduates with this degree can pursue careers such as natural sciences managers, astronomers, atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary.

Program Classification

CIP Code 40.0201
Field (2-digit CIP) 40
Category (4-digit CIP) 40.02

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Astronomy degree?
A Astronomy degree can lead to careers as a natural sciences managers, astronomers, atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary, and more. Top earners in related careers can make up to $161,180 annually.
How many colleges offer Astronomy?
83 colleges and universities in the United States offer Astronomy as a degree program. Each year, approximately 876 students graduate with this degree.
What are the best colleges for Astronomy?
The best colleges for Astronomy based on Repit's ratings include University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia-Main Campus, University of Florida, University of Chicago. Rankings are based on the college's overall Repit grade and the number of degrees awarded in this program.
What is the salary potential with a Astronomy degree?
Graduates with a Astronomy degree can expect average salaries around $131,580 in related careers, with top earners making up to $161,180. Actual salaries depend on the specific career path, experience level, and location.