2026 Best Value Planetary Astronomy & Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles earned the #1 spot for value among planetary astronomy & science schools in the United States. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Planetary Astronomy & Science graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Early-career planetary astronomy & science graduates make about $63,833. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #2 place for planetary astronomy & science. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the planetary astronomy & science program here. Soon after graduation, planetary astronomy & science degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $54,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

3

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in planetary astronomy & science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Planetary Astronomy & Science graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Early-career planetary astronomy & science graduates make about $95,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

4

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in planetary astronomy & science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete the planetary astronomy & science program here. Early-career planetary astronomy & science graduates make about $50,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for planetary astronomy & science. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Planetary Astronomy & Science graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Planetary Astronomy & Science graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

6

Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology came in at #6 for value in planetary astronomy & science this year. Located in the city of Melbourne, Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,900. Students borrow a median of $32,114 to complete the planetary astronomy & science program here. Early-career planetary astronomy & science graduates make about $69,878. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.