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2026 Best Value Astronomy Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the astronomy degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Astronomy Schools
Leading the list is University Of Maryland College Park, our #1 best value for astronomy in the Middle Atlantic Region. University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public school located in the suburb of College Park. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Astronomy graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Early-career astronomy graduates make about $57,901. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Columbia University In The City Of New York one of the best values for astronomy. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical student debt for astronomy graduates is $23,258. Astronomy graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $86,770 early in their careers. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in astronomy will find it at Cornell University, which ranked #3. Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Ithaca. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical student debt for astronomy graduates is $15,005. Soon after graduation, astronomy degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $75,976. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Students looking for strong value in astronomy will find it at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Narrow Astronomy Schools by State
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
ADBLOCK #116
[Astronomy](/majors/physical-sciences/astronomy-and-astrophysics/astronomy/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
