2027 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

For return on investment in astronomy & astrophysics, no school beat University Of Michigan Ann Arbor this year. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. Early-career astronomy & astrophysics graduates make about $66,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $57,461 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Chicago earned it the #3 place for astronomy & astrophysics. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value astronomy & astrophysics schools. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the astronomy & astrophysics program here. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $45,783. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

5

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $20,500. Early-career astronomy & astrophysics graduates make about $58,088. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

6

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value astronomy & astrophysics schools. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $33,373 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.