by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 16 U.S. colleges awarded 107 degrees and certificates in Planetary Astronomy & Science. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 51% of graduates. College Factual ranks 3 schools in its 2027 Best Planetary Astronomy & Science 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 Planetary Astronomy & Science involves the study of Planetary Astronomy And Science. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of Planets, Small Objects, And Related Gravitational Systems. Includes Instruction In The Structure And Composition Of Planetary Surfaces And Interiors, Planetary Atmospheres, Satellites, Orbital Mechanics, Asteroids And Comets, Solar System Evolution And Dynamics, Planetary Evolution, Gravitational Physics, And Radiation Physics.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, planetary astronomy & science is a widely-pursued major, with 107 degrees awarded annually. 16 colleges award planetary astronomy & science degrees, an average of 7 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 34.
By level, the 107 awards include 55 bachelor’s degrees, 31 master’s degrees and 21 doctorates.
Women earned 45% of planetary astronomy & science degrees and certificates in the latest year (48 of 107). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (67) and Asian (11), and international students earned 8.
College Factual ranks 3 schools in its 2027 Best Planetary Astronomy & Science Schools ranking, including 1 for bachelor’s degrees and 1 for master’s degrees. It also ranks planetary astronomy & science schools within 1 state. In all, 16 colleges offer planetary astronomy & science programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Planetary Astronomy & Science Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common planetary astronomy & science credential is the bachelor’s degree: 55 of the 107 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to planetary astronomy & science 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:
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How long a planetary astronomy & science degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 55 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 31 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 21 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to planetary astronomy & science, at 27.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 27.8% |
| Master’s degree | 25.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.0% |
| Some college courses | 3.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.3% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Planetary Astronomy & Science, with an average median salary of $120,424; the strongest outlook belongs to Clinical Research Coordinators, at 10.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Research Coordinator, Clinical Trials Manager, Clinical Project Manager and Oceanography Teacher.
The occupation related to planetary astronomy & science 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% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Astronomers | 130,193 | 8.3% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Planetary Astronomy & Science 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 planetary astronomy & science 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 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
Planetary Astronomy & Science has 3 similar majors in the Physical Sciences field, which together award 1,642 degrees a year; the largest are Astronomy (954), Astrophysics (550) and Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other (138). Browse all Physical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Astronomy | 954 |
| Astrophysics | 550 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other | 138 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
