STEM Specialization

Astronomy

Astronomy graduates earn $68,333 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,049 and $98,743. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Astronomy

Astronomy is a focused area of study within Physical Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $68,333 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 161 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,573 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $39,728
Median Earnings · 4yr: $68,333
Colleges Offering: 161
Graduates / Year: 1,573
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,031

How Much Do Astronomy Graduates Earn?

Astronomy graduates earn $68,333 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,049 and $98,743. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $39,728 climbs to $68,333 by year four.

$39,728

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$68,333

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$69,728

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Astronomy graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$44,049 25th pct.

$68,333 Median

$98,743 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $68,333 against an estimated $76,124 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 113 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,573 students who complete Astronomy programs each year, the majority (66%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

66%

Bachelor's 66%

Doctorate 16%

Master's 16%

What Can You Do With an Astronomy Degree?

Astronomy connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Physicist leads at $172,250/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Physicist

$172,250

$112K $223K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,700 openings/yr 20K employed nationally

Science Mathematics Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +2.6% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Earth Science Professors

$103,170

$77K $136K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 10K employed nationally

Speaking Science Critical Thinking Instructing Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as structural geology, micrometeorology, and atmospheric thermodynamics.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

↗ +2.5% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Physics Teachers

$100,310

$74K $133K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,300 openings/yr 13K employed nationally

Instructing Science Speaking Reading Comprehension Learning Strategies

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

Top Colleges for Astronomy

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Astronomy students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public	106	78.1%	$25,346	$69,738
2	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	56	11%	$13,481	$92,446
3	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	53	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
4	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	52	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
5	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	51	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
6	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	51	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
7	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA · Public	51	65.8%	$17,890	$68,396
8	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	49	9%	$12,548	$82,511
9	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	43	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
10	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	41	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
11	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	38	4%	$21,590	$102,491
12	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	36	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
13	Yale University New Haven, CT · Nonprofit	36	3.9%	$23,777	$100,533
14	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public	35	42.4%	$14,355	$81,054
15	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	33	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
16	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	32	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
17	Princeton University Princeton, NJ · Nonprofit	32	4.6%	$6,128	$110,066
18	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public	30	59.7%	$22,383	$71,631
19	University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	30	4.5%	$14,860	$91,885
20	Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL · Nonprofit	30	57.7%	$35,639	$43,137

View all colleges

Ranked by Astronomy graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Astronomy program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Astronomy degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Astronomy Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Astronomy shows 4 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $68,333 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $39,728 at graduation to $68,333 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 12,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $98,743, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Astronomy Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Astronomy graduates earn?

Astronomy graduates earn a national median of $68,333 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,049 and $98,743. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Astronomy degree?

One year after graduation, Astronomy degree holders earn a median of $39,728. That climbs to $68,333 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Astronomy degree?

Astronomy degree holders pursue careers including Physicist, which pays a median of $172,250/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Astronomy program take?

A Astronomy bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Astronomy?

161 colleges and universities in the United States offer Astronomy programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Astronomy degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $68,333 and an average net price of roughly $19,031/yr, a Astronomy degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Astronomy and Physical Sciences?

Astronomy is a focused concentration within the broader Physical Sciences field. The Physical Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Astronomy-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Astronomy graduates?

Employers hiring Astronomy graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Astronomy graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Astronomy graduates?

The job outlook for Astronomy graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Physicist is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.