2026 Best Astronomy Schools in Massachusetts

Astronomy programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 11 schools to find the best for astronomy students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Astronomy Schools in Massachusetts

Best Schools for Astronomy in Massachusetts

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall astronomy education in Massachusetts.

Top Schools in Astronomy

1

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

17 Astronomy Degrees Awarded

$53,543 Median Starting Salary

University Of Massachusetts Amherst tops our 2026 ranking of the best astronomy schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Amherst. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 17 astronomy students who graduated with this degree at University Of Massachusetts Amherst in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, astronomy degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $53,543. Typical student debt for the program is $25,234. More information about a degree in astronomy from University Of Massachusetts Amherst

2

Boston University
Boston, MA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

25 Astronomy Degrees Awarded

$63,598 Median Starting Salary

Boston University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in astronomy, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 25 astronomy students who graduated with this degree at Boston University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their astronomy degree from Boston University earn around $63,598 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,232. Read more about the astronomy program at Boston University

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 11 schools evaluated.

• 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.