Astronomy and Astrophysics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the vast mysteries of the universe through a rigorous academic journey in astronomy and astrophysics. This program equips students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills to investigate celestial phenomena, from the formation of stars and galaxies to the fundamental laws governing cosmic evolution.
- Stellar Evolution: Study the life cycles of stars, from their birth in nebulae to their dramatic deaths as supernovae or compact remnants like neutron stars and black holes.
- Galactic Dynamics: Examine the structure, motion, and interactions of galaxies, including the role of dark matter and gravitational forces in shaping large-scale cosmic structures.
- Cosmology: Investigate the origin, expansion, and ultimate fate of the universe, drawing on observational data and theoretical models such as the Big Bang and cosmic inflation.
- Planetary Science: Analyze the formation, composition, and physical processes of planets, moons, and other solar system bodies, including exoplanets beyond our own system.
- Observational Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with telescopes, spectroscopy, and data analysis tools used to collect and interpret electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths.
- Theoretical Modeling: Develop mathematical and computational frameworks to simulate astrophysical processes, enabling predictions and deeper understanding of complex phenomena.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Astronomy and Astrophysics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Astronomy and Astrophysics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Astronomers and Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 127,500 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Astronomers 19-2011 | $132,170 | $70,730 - $191,880 | 1,560 | $63.54 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1051 | $101,390 | $53,310 - $199,260 | 11,480 | N/A |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1054 | $97,360 | $54,880 - $169,740 | 13,590 | N/A |
Astronomy and Astrophysics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,997 in Florida to $152,198 in Massachusetts—a 114% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 127,500 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Astronomy and Astrophysics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 12 institutions offering Astronomy and Astrophysics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Astronomy and Astrophysics is found at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) (31 graduates), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Daytona Beach (27 graduates), Harvard University (16 graduates), University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (13 graduates), and College of Charleston (CofC) (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 129 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
31 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | daytonabeach.erau.edu |
| Harvard University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
16 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| College of Charleston (CofC) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | cofc.edu |
| Butler University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | butler.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Emory University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Texas Christian University (TCU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Fort Worth, Texas | Private | tcu.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Astronomy and Astrophysics programs
How much can I earn with a Astronomy and Astrophysics degree?
Salaries for Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Astronomers earn around $132,170. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $152,198 compared to $70,997 in Florida. Approximately 127,500 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Astronomy and Astrophysics programs?
Currently 12 accredited institutions offer Astronomy and Astrophysics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) (31 graduates), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Daytona Beach (27 graduates), and Harvard University (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Astronomy and Astrophysics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 48 in 2010 to 129 in 2023-24. This represents a 169% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Astronomy and Astrophysics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Astronomers, and Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 127,500 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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