by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 5 U.S. colleges awarded 61 degrees and certificates in Physics and Astronomy. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 52% of graduates. College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Physics and Astronomy Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Its 7 related occupations pay an average median salary of $113,512 a year.
A degree in Physics and Astronomy covers A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of The Theories That Explain The Fundamental Structure Of Our World And The Universe And Which Draws From Physics And Astronomy. Includes Instruction In Astronomy, Calculus, Cosmology, Differential Equations, Electricity, Magnetism, Data Analysis, Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Space Science, Spectroscopy, And Thermal Physics.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, physics and astronomy is a widely-pursued major, with 61 degrees awarded annually. 5 colleges award physics and astronomy degrees, an average of 12 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 32.
By level, the 61 awards include 32 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s degrees and 12 doctorates.
Women earned 33% of physics and astronomy degrees and certificates in the latest year (20 of 61). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (34) and Hispanic or Latino (8), and international students earned 13.
College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Physics and Astronomy Schools ranking, including 1 for bachelor’s degrees and 1 for doctorates. It also ranks physics and astronomy schools within 2 states. In all, 5 colleges offer physics and astronomy programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Physics and Astronomy Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common physics and astronomy credential is the bachelor’s degree: 32 of the 61 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to physics and astronomy 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 a physics and astronomy degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 32 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 17 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 12 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to physics and astronomy, at 27.4%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 27.4% |
| Master’s degree | 23.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 21.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 15.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.0% |
| Some college courses | 2.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.5% |
Source: O*NET Online.
7 occupations are related to Physics and Astronomy, with an average median salary of $113,512; the strongest outlook belongs to Physics Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include University Faculty Member, Instructor, Adjunct Professor and College Faculty Member.
The occupation related to physics and astronomy 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% |
| Physicists | 118,738 | 8.5% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
The highest-paying occupation related to physics and astronomy 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 |
| Physicists | $111,776 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Astronomers | $106,445 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,685 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
