by our College Data Analytics TeamAstronomy degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 18 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best astronomy schools.
What’s on this page:
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the astronomy degrees they offer, see the list below.
No school ranked higher than Pennsylvania State University Main Campus this year for astronomy. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 48 astronomy students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. See the full astronomy program report for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
Cornell University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in astronomy, ranking #2. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. There were roughly 22 astronomy students who graduated with this degree at Cornell University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, astronomy degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $75,976. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete this degree. Get the full astronomy details for Cornell University
University Of Maryland College Park is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in astronomy, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. About 89% of students finish within six years. University Of Maryland College Park awarded about 35 astronomy degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their astronomy degree from University Of Maryland College Park earn around $57,901 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Maryland College Park graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Get the full astronomy details for University Of Maryland College Park
Students looking for a strong astronomy program will find one at Columbia University In The City Of New York, which ranked #4. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 14 astronomy students who graduated with this degree at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent data year. Astronomy graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $86,770 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete this degree. Get the full astronomy details for Columbia University In The City Of New York
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 18 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.