2026 Best Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley tops our 2026 ranking of the best astronomy & astrophysics schools. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. University Of California Berkeley awarded about 49 astronomy & astrophysics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their astronomy & astrophysics degree from University Of California Berkeley earn around $54,746 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. Read more about the astronomy & astrophysics program at University Of California Berkeley

2

California Institute Of Technology
Pasadena, CA

California Institute Of Technology is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, ranking #2. Set in the city of Pasadena, California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 19 astronomy & astrophysics students who graduated with this degree at California Institute Of Technology in the most recent data year. Graduates of the astronomy & astrophysics program make about $173,344 in their early career. Get the full astronomy & astrophysics details for California Institute Of Technology

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, ranking #3. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. University Of California Los Angeles awarded about 43 astronomy & astrophysics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their astronomy & astrophysics degree from University Of California Los Angeles earn around $63,833 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete this degree. Read more about the astronomy & astrophysics program at University Of California Los Angeles

4

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 49 astronomy & astrophysics degrees were awarded at University Of Washington Seattle Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their astronomy & astrophysics degree from University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn around $65,681 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete this degree. Get the full astronomy & astrophysics details for University Of Washington Seattle Campus

5

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

Students looking for a strong astronomy & astrophysics program will find one at University Of California Santa Cruz, which ranked #5. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Cruz. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 46 astronomy & astrophysics degrees were awarded at University Of California Santa Cruz in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from University Of California Santa Cruz generally make around $35,171. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. See the full astronomy & astrophysics program report for University Of California Santa Cruz