2026 Best Value Astrophysics Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Our analysis ranked Princeton University the best value for a degree in astrophysics in the United States. Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Princeton. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for astrophysics graduates is $10,888. Soon after graduation, astrophysics degree recipients from Princeton University generally make around $67,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.

2

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value astrophysics schools. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the astrophysics program here. Soon after graduation, astrophysics degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $54,746. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the best values for astrophysics. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Astrophysics graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $63,833 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned it the #4 place for astrophysics. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the astrophysics program here. Soon after graduation, astrophysics degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $57,461. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

5

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Harvard University earned it the #5 place for astrophysics. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the astrophysics program here. Astrophysics graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants.

6

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #6 spot for astrophysics value this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the astrophysics program here. Soon after graduation, astrophysics degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $45,783. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

7

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #7 spot for astrophysics value this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Typical student debt for astrophysics graduates is $20,500. Astrophysics graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $35,171 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

8

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #8 among the best values for astrophysics. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete the astrophysics program here. Astrophysics graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $56,395 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

9

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #9 for value in astrophysics this year. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Typical student debt for astrophysics graduates is $23,258. Astrophysics graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $86,770 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants.

10

University Of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder placed #10 among the best values for astrophysics. University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public school located in the city of Boulder. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Students borrow a median of $22,324 to complete the astrophysics program here. Astrophysics graduates of University Of Colorado Boulder earn a median of $45,066 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,324 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

11

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #11 spot for astrophysics value this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Astrophysics graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $33,373 early in their careers. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

12

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #12 for value in astrophysics this year. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Astrophysics graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $58,402 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

13

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University placed #13 among the best values for astrophysics. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Typical student debt for astrophysics graduates is $14,357. Astrophysics graduates of Yale University earn a median of $74,578 early in their careers. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.