2027 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the Southwest Region
[Astronomy & Astrophysics](/majors/physical-sciences/astronomy-and-astrophysics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value astronomy & astrophysics schools.
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2027 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the Southwest Region
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
New Mexico State University Main Campus earned the #1 spot for value among astronomy & astrophysics schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $19,026. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from New Mexico State University Main Campus generally make around $41,860. Set against $19,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for astronomy & astrophysics. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete the astronomy & astrophysics program here. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $50,834 early in their careers. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
The University Of Texas At Austin is a great value for students pursuing a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Early-career astronomy & astrophysics graduates make about $29,404. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
