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2023 Most Popular Colleges for Astronomy & Astrophysics in the Far Western US Region

29 Ranked Colleges
344 Degrees Awarded
$35,800 Avg Cost*
Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region” ranking is part of that endeavor.

Astronomy & Astrophysics is the 219th most popular major in the country with 1,375 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. In 2019-2020, astronomy and astrophysics graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $31,221 and had an average of $24,484 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Far Western US region, there were 344 astronomy and astrophysics graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $19,734 respectively.

This year’s “Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region” ranking looked at 29 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in astronomy and astrophysics. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have one of the most popular astronomy and astrophysics programs in the United States.

See our ranking methodology to learn more.

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When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region” list to help you make the college decision.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region

The colleges and universities below are the best for far western us region astronomy students.

1

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Santa Cruz. The school came in at #1 for the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region. University of California - Santa Cruz is a fairly large school located in Santa Cruz, California that handed out 76 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at University of California - Santa Cruz

2

Out of the 29 schools in the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #2 spot on the list. UC Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 65 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at University of California - Berkeley

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. University of Washington - Seattle Campus is a public institution located in Seattle, Washington. The school has a large population, and it awarded 51 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at UW Seattle

4

Out of the 29 schools in the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the #4 spot on the list. University of California - Los Angeles is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 43 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full UCLA Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

5

Out of the 29 schools in the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, California Institute of Technology landed the #5 spot on the list. Pasadena, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s astronomy degrees to 28 students in 2020-2021.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 3 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Full California Institute of Technology Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

6
Whitman crest
Whitman College
Walla Walla, Washington

Whitman College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Walla Walla, Washington. It awarded 19 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at Whitman

7

With a ranking of #7, University of Hawaii at Manoa did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. UH Manoa is a fairly large school located in Honolulu, Hawaii that handed out 16 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full University of Hawaii at Manoa Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

8
Monterey Peninsula College crest
Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey, California

Monterey Peninsula College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. Monterey, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s astronomy degrees to 15 students in 2020-2021.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at Monterey Peninsula College

8
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San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking. This large school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 15 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full SDSU Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

10

With a ranking of #10, University of Hawaii at Hilo did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. This small school is located in Hilo, Hawaii, and it awarded 3 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at UH Hilo

10
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Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara City College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking. Santa Barbara City College is a fairly large school located in Santa Barbara, California that handed out 3 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at Santa Barbara City College

10

University of Nevada - Las Vegas did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #10. University of Nevada - Las Vegas is a large public school situated in Las Vegas, Nevada. It awarded 3 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at University of Nevada - Las Vegas

13
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Moorpark College
Moorpark, California

Moorpark College landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking. Moorpark College is a public institution located in Moorpark, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at Moorpark College

13
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California ranked #13 on this year’s Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. University of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at University of Southern California

13
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Santiago Canyon College
Orange, California

Santiago Canyon College did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #13. Santiago Canyon College is a fairly large public school situated in Orange, California. It awarded 1 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Santiago Canyon College Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

13
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Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, California

Saddleback College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking. This fairly large school is located in Mission Viejo, California, and it awarded 1 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at Saddleback College

13
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Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, California

Orange Coast College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Costa Mesa, California, this fairly large public school awarded 1 diplomas to qualified ’s astronomy students in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at Orange Coast College

13
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Southwestern College
Chula Vista, California

With a ranking of #13, Southwestern College did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. This fairly large school is located in Chula Vista, California, and it awarded 1 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at SWC Chula Vista

19
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MiraCosta College
Oceanside, California

MiraCosta College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Oceanside, California, this fairly large public school awarded 0 degrees to qualified ’s astronomy students in 2020-2021.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at MiraCosta College

19
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San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino Valley College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. San Bernardino Valley College is a public institution located in San Bernardino, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 0 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at San Bernardino Valley College

19
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Hartnell College
Salinas, California

Hartnell College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking. Hartnell College is a medium-sized public school situated in Salinas, California. It awarded 0 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Hartnell College Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

19
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El Camino College
Torrance, California

With a ranking of #19, El Camino College did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. El Camino College is a public institution located in Torrance, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 0 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full El Camino College Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

19
San Diego City College crest
San Diego City College
San Diego, California

With a ranking of #19, San Diego City College did quite well on the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. San Diego, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s astronomy degrees to 0 students in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at San Diego City College

19
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Palomar College
San Marcos, California

Palomar College did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #19. Palomar College is located in San Marcos, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 0 ’s astronomy degrees to qualified students.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at Palomar College

19

University of Alaska Fairbanks came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking. UAF is a public institution located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 0 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Astronomy & Astrophysics at UAF

19
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Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, California

Crafton Hills College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region list. Crafton Hills College is located in Yucaipa, California and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 0 ’s astronomy degrees to qualified students.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at Crafton Hills College

19
Fullerton College crest
Fullerton College
Fullerton, California

Fullerton College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking. Fullerton College is a fairly large public school situated in Fullerton, California. It awarded 0 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Astronomy & Astrophysics at Fullerton College

19
Cabrillo College crest
Cabrillo College
Aptos, California

Cabrillo College did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #19. This medium-sized school is located in Aptos, California, and it awarded 0 ’s astronomy degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Cabrillo College Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

19
Irvine Valley College crest
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, California

Irvine Valley College did quite well in the 2023 Most Well Attended Astronomy Major in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #19. Irvine Valley College is located in Irvine, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 0 ’s astronomy degrees to qualified students.

Full Irvine Valley College Astronomy & Astrophysics Report

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