Compare 7 Astronomy. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $55,898. Top programs: $90,943+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Astronomy tells a different story. Across 7 programs, earnings range from $26,353 to $90,943—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The $64K spread between the top and bottom programs is a reminder that where you study astronomy matters as much as the name on the diploma.
Topping the list, UC Berkeley's Astronomy program delivers $90,943 in median earnings—well above the $55,898 average across all 7 ranked programs. University of Colorado Boulder claims second at $72,698, a strong result from a program that admits 78% of applicants. Penn State rounds out the top three at $66,759, demonstrating that accessible public universities compete squarely with more selective peers.
Debt burden separates good programs from great ones. UC Berkeley Astronomy graduates borrow just $13,000 in student loans and face a 2.6% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments are essentially trivial relative to post-grad income. For families weighing parent loans, Berkeley still leads with a 9.2% combined burden, landing in the 'Good' tier. Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →: https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs
Highest program earnings: $90,943
Strong outcomes ($72,698) with 78% acceptance
2.6% payment burden | Excellent
9.2% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $90,943 | 48 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good | |
| #2 | $72,698 | 58 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $66,759 | 28 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $65,987 | 26 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $35,171 | 50 | — | — | — | — | |
| #6 | $33,373 | 22 | — | — | — | — | |
| #7 | $26,353 | 20 | — | — | — | — |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
