2026 Best Value Astronomy Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor tops our 2026 list of the best value astronomy schools in the Great Lakes Region. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical student debt for astronomy graduates is $19,137. Soon after graduation, astronomy degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $66,254. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value astronomy schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Astronomy graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Astronomy graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $57,461 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

3

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison is a great value for students pursuing a degree in astronomy, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the astronomy program here. Astronomy graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $45,783 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.

4

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Students looking for strong value in astronomy will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for astronomy graduates is $20,500. Early-career astronomy graduates make about $58,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in astronomy will find it at University Of Chicago, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete the astronomy program here. Early-career astronomy graduates make about $81,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.