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2026 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the Far Western Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in astronomy & astrophysics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools
University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #1 spot for value among astronomy & astrophysics schools in the Far Western Region. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $16,481. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $65,681 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%.
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value astronomy & astrophysics schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $16,097. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #3 place for astronomy & astrophysics. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the astronomy & astrophysics program here. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $54,746. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value astronomy & astrophysics schools. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the astronomy & astrophysics program here. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from University Of California Santa Cruz generally make around $35,171. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Students looking for strong value in astronomy & astrophysics will find it at California Institute Of Technology, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Pasadena, California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,898. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from California Institute Of Technology generally make around $173,344. Roughly 3% of applicants are accepted.
Narrow Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools by State
[Astronomy & Astrophysics](/majors/physical-sciences/astronomy-and-astrophysics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
