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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Master’s Degree Schools

4 Colleges in the United States
$18,069 Avg Student Debt
$104,584 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Master's Degree Badge [Astronomy & Astrophysics](/majors/physical-sciences/astronomy-and-astrophysics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong astronomy & astrophysics education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 163 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value astronomy & astrophysics schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the astronomy & astrophysics degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools

1
Princeton University crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Leading the list is Princeton University, our #1 best value for astronomy & astrophysics in the United States. Set in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $10,888. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of Princeton University earn a median of $67,532 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants.

2

California Institute Of Technology is a great value for students pursuing a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Pasadena, California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,898 in tuition and fees. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from California Institute Of Technology generally make around $173,344. The acceptance rate is 3%.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #3 place for astronomy & astrophysics. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the astronomy & astrophysics program here. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $29,404 early in their careers. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

Other Astronomy & Astrophysics Degree Levels

Explore the best-value astronomy & astrophysics schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Associate's Degrees in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Bachelor's Degrees in Astronomy & Astrophysics
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View All Astronomy & Astrophysics Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 163 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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