by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 12 U.S. colleges awarded 138 degrees and certificates in Other Astronomy & Astrophysics. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 70% of graduates. College Factual ranks 4 schools in its 2027 Best Other Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $41,600 one year after completing, rising to $72,898 after four years.
A degree in Other Astronomy & Astrophysics involves the study of Astronomy And Astrophysics, Other. Any Instructional Program In Astronomy And Astrophysics Not Listed Above.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, other astronomy & astrophysics is a widely-pursued major, with 138 degrees awarded annually. 12 colleges award other astronomy & astrophysics degrees, an average of 12 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 33.
By level, the 138 awards include 96 bachelor’s degrees, 26 master’s degrees and 16 doctorates.
Women earned 40% of other astronomy & astrophysics degrees and certificates in the latest year (55 of 138). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (82) and Hispanic or Latino (18), and international students earned 15.
College Factual ranks 4 schools in its 2027 Best Other Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools ranking, including 4 for bachelor’s degrees and 1 for master’s degrees. It also ranks other astronomy & astrophysics schools within 2 states. In all, 12 colleges offer other astronomy & astrophysics programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Other Astronomy & Astrophysics Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common other astronomy & astrophysics credential is the bachelor’s degree: 96 of the 138 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to other astronomy & astrophysics call most for Speaking, Reading Comprehension and Active Listening, and for knowledge of English Language, Mathematics and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an other astronomy & astrophysics degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 96 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 26 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 16 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to other astronomy & astrophysics, at 26.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 26.1% |
| Master’s degree | 25.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 22.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 13.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.2% |
| Some college courses | 2.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
6 occupations are related to Other Astronomy & Astrophysics, with an average median salary of $113,801; the strongest outlook belongs to Physics Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Instructor, Assistant Professor, Adjunct Professor and Professor.
The occupation related to other astronomy & astrophysics with the most projected jobs is Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, at 615,002.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 615,002 | 10.3% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | 415,392 | 14.3% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Astronomers | 130,193 | 8.3% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Other Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates earn a median $41,600 one year after completing their program, $72,898 after four years and $61,687 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $41,600 |
| 4 years | $72,898 |
| 5 years | $61,687 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to other astronomy & astrophysics is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Astronomers | $106,445 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,685 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
Other Astronomy & Astrophysics has 3 similar majors in the Physical Sciences field, which together award 1,611 degrees a year; the largest are Astronomy (954), Astrophysics (550) and Planetary Astronomy and Science (107). Browse all Physical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Astronomy | 954 |
| Astrophysics | 550 |
| Planetary Astronomy and Science | 107 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
