colleges offering phd in astrophysics

Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Phd program in astronomy and astrophysics.

Our faculty have been at the forefront of astronomy for over a century, shaping its course since the founding of our department by George Ellery Hale in 1892. Hale pioneered the big glass in telescopes that ushered in a new age in astronomy; Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar defined the agenda of theoretical astrophysics for fifty years; Eugene Parker revolutionized our view of the sun and the role of magnetic fields in the cosmos; and David Schramm brought together particle physics and cosmology.  Our students have been just as influential.  Edwin Hubble solved the puzzle of the nebulae and discovered the expansion of the Universe; Nancy Grace Roman made the Hubble Space Telescope a reality; Carl Sagan advanced our understanding of the solar system and how to share the excitement of what we do with the public; and Jeremiah P. Ostriker’s manifold contributions have made him the leading theorist of his generation.

Today graduate students in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics have multiple opportunities to engage with our pre-eminent faculty and their research groups on short- or long-term projects to complete pre-candidacy requirements and doctoral theses. Research fields span a wide range, with close integration between theory and experiment, and are enhanced by our connections to the Enrico Fermi Institute , the Departments of Physics and the  Geophysical Sciences , and the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics at the University of Chicago. We have strong partnerships with premiere facilities including  Argonne National Laboratory and  Fermilab , and we are a founding member of the 25-meter  Giant Magellan Telescope , the world's largest optical telescope now under construction in the Chilean Andes. 

The PhD in Astrophysics is a year-round, full-time doctoral program on the academic quarter system, which encourages students to explore a range of courses, engage with more faculty, and challenge themselves in a fast-paced and academically rigorous environment. 

Summary of Requirements

• full-time scholastic residence of at least 300 units of coursework per quarter, including summer
• completion of required core graduate courses
• completion of one to three pre-candidacy research projects
• successful completion of a two-part candidacy exam
• completion of the teaching practicum
• identification of a thesis advisor
• formation of a thesis committee
• thesis research and preparation
• final examination

Each admitted student is assigned a mentor who will help the student navigate graduate school by guiding them to achieve academic and professional goals and supporting their well-being and personal development. The mentor can guide students in course selection, assist in navigating difficult situations when they arise, provide coaching when preparing for oral exams, and counsel regarding postdoc placement or other career options. 

Financial Support

Graduate students in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics receive full financial support from a combination of University and departmental fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. Students are also encouraged to seek out external fellowships, as these provide students with both financial support and the flexibility to focus on research goals of individual interest. A two-quarter practicum as a teaching assistant is required of all graduate students, typically in the first year of study. Teaching assignments include instructing lab sections for non-science majors, and collaborative teaching with the faculty instructor of lecture courses in the Major in Astrophysics program.

Students with questions may contact

• Fausto Cattaneo (Deputy Chair for Academic Affairs),
• Laticia Rebeles (Graduate Student Affairs Administrator),
• Bahareh Lampert (Dean of Students in the Physical Sciences Division),
• Amanda Young (Associate Director, Graduate Student Affairs) in UChicagoGRAD.

Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

A virtual tour of the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Related Links

• Online Application
• Information for International Students
• Graduate Course Catalog
• For Current Students

• Twitter Facebook Pinterest
• Highest Paid
• Popular Online
• Non-Traditional

2024 Best Astronomy & Astrophysics Doctor's Degree Schools

College Factual reviewed 30 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for doctor's degree seekers in the field of astronomy & astrophysics. Combined, these schools handed out 170 doctor's degrees in astronomy & astrophysics to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Astronomy & Astrophysics School for Your Doctor's Degree

Overall Quality Is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To take this into account we consider a school's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree ranking which itself looks at a host of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Early-Career Salaries

Average early-career salary of those graduating with their doctor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. That is, everyone wants their doctor's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to astronomy & astrophysics students as compared to other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of astronomy & astrophysics students who choose to seek a doctor's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Student Debt - How easy is it for astronomy & astrophysics to pay back their student loans after receiving their doctor's degree.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized astronomy & astrophysics related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for astronomy & astrophysics students working on their doctor's degree.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The astronomy school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Astronomy & Astrophysics Doctor's Degree Schools.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Astronomy & Astrophysics in the United States

The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a doctor's degree in astronomy & astrophysics.

10 Top Schools for a Doctorate in Astronomy

Every student who is interested in a doctor's degree in astronomy & astrophysics needs to look into Northwestern University. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from Northwestern University

Any student pursuing a degree in a doctor's degree in astronomy & astrophysics has to check out University of Chicago. UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from University of Chicago

California Institute of Technology is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a doctor's degree in astronomy & astrophysics. Located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena, Caltech is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from California Institute of Technology

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a doctor's degree in astronomy & astrophysics. UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Austin. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from The University of Texas at Austin

Located in the midsize city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from University of California - Berkeley

Located in the large suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from University of Maryland - College Park

UIUC is a very large public university located in the city of Champaign. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from Cornell University

University of Arizona is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tucson. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from University of Arizona

Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in astronomy & astrophysics from Ohio State University - Main Campus

Astronomy & Astrophysics by Region

View the Best Astronomy & Astrophysics Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in astronomy & astrophysics, best master's degrees in astronomy & astrophysics, best value in astronomy & astrophysics, best for non-traditional students in astronomy & astrophysics, best online in astronomy & astrophysics, most popular online in astronomy & astrophysics, best bachelor's degrees in astronomy & astrophysics, best overall in astronomy & astrophysics, highest paid grads in astronomy & astrophysics, best for veterans in astronomy & astrophysics, most popular in astronomy & astrophysics, most focused in astronomy & astrophysics.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Astronomy

Astronomy & Astrophysics is one of 8 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.

Astronomy Concentrations

Most popular majors related to astronomy, notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• 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 the rest 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 .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

Astrophysics, PHD

On this page:.

At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Astrophysics

The PhD program in astrophysics develops creative scholarship in students and prepares them for professional careers in astrophysics, astronomy or related fields.

Students in this program take graduate-level courses in stars and interstellar media, galaxies and cosmology; obtain quantitative skills through analysis and modelling; may have observing opportunities through regional and international telescope observatories; and conduct independent, fundamental astrophysical research. Graduate students work closely with a research advisor on a wide range of topics including theoretical physics, cosmology, galaxy dynamics, stellar evolution, exoplanets, and the development and building of instrumentation.

Graduate students in astrophysics become leaders in observational and theoretical research. They participate in NASA- and NSF-funded space missions and study topics such as how stars are born and die, how galaxies interact and evolve, and how the universe changed as it developed from its earliest beginnings.

The program's world-class faculty have research expertise across the full breadth of astrophysics including the solar system, stars and galaxies from the Milky Way and the most distant galaxies in the universe. Current ASU research applies both computational and observational approaches to the exploration of a range of topics such as fundamental cosmology and whether there is life on exoplanets.

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (1 credit hour) SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)

Electives or Research (53 credit hours)

Other Requirements: Astrophysics Sequence (9 credit hours) AST 521 Stars and Interstellar Medium I (3) AST 522 Stars and Interstellar Medium II (3) AST 591 Seminar: Astrophysics (2) SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)

Other Requirements: Galaxies and Cosmology Sequence, pick one (3 credit hours) AST 531 Galaxies and Cosmology I (3) AST 532 Galaxies and Cosmology II (3) AST 533 Galaxies and Cosmology III (3)

Other Requirements: Exoplanets and Planetary Science Sequence, pick one (3 credit hours) AST 598 Topic: Origins of Solar Systems (3) AST 598 Topic: Exploring Exoplanets (3) SES 598 Topic: Water in the Solar System (3)

Other Requirements: Instrumentation and Techniques Sequence, pick one (3 credit hours) AST 552 Astronomical Instrumentation and Data Analysis (3) SES 598 Topic: An Introduction to Astro-statistics (3) SES 598 Topic: Spectroscopy for Astrophysics (3) SES 598 Topic: Introductory Radio Astronomy (3)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SES 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree in a related field to be used for this degree.

Substitutions for Other Requirement courses may be made per department approval.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admissions application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in astrophysics are in high demand across all sectors and industries, including remote sensing, data science, instrument building, computational science, defense industries and scientific research. Coding and numerical modeling skills translate across many domains, even beyond astrophysics. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structure of the universe and exoplanetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on data-driven strategies to explore beyond the Earth and solar system.

A doctoral degree in astrophysics is required for some careers in post-secondary education and research.

Career examples include:

• astrophysics professor
• data scientist
• instrument builder
• project manager
• research astronomer
• telescope operator

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-5081

30 Best Colleges for Astronomy & Astrophysics – 2024

April 5, 2024

If you have a brilliant scientific mind that has always been fixated on topics along the lines of black holes, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life then there may just be a college program for you. Sometimes offered as a solo Astronomy & Astrophysics major (i.e. Michigan), other times as an Astronomy-Physics double-major (i.e. UVA), and other times as a concentration area within the Astronomy department (i.e. BU), this rigorous major will take undergraduates through advanced study of mathematics, physics, astronomy, and chemistry. Many graduates of Astronomy & Astrophysics programs go on to complete graduate studies and those with PhDs hold research positions at universities or government agencies like NASA. Others pursue jobs in computing where their skills prove quite useful, including at tech giants like Google, Meta, or Microsoft. Our list of Best Colleges for Astrophysics & Best Colleges for Astronomy will help you navigate through the infinite universe of the higher education search process and discover the perfect academic galaxy to call home.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Best Colleges for Astronomy & Astrophysics

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten Astronomy & Astrophysics institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) University of Chicago

2) California Institute of Technology

3) Harvard University

4) Princeton University

5) Columbia University in the City of New York

6) University of California-Los Angeles

7) University of California-Berkeley

8) University of California-Santa Cruz

9) Swarthmore College

10) Whitman College

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the fields of astronomy & astrophysics and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best artificial intelligence colleges, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: There are 53 majors at UChicago, but close to half of all degrees conferred are in four majors: economics, biology, mathematics, and political science, all of which have particularly sterling reputations. Economics alone is the selection of roughly one-fifth of the undergraduate population. Over 75% of undergrad sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. Business and financial services (30%) and STEM (12%) were the two sectors that scooped up the most graduates, but public policy and consulting were also well-represented. The most popular employers of recent grads include Google, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Citi, and Accenture. For those heading to grad school, the top seven destinations are Yale, Columbia, Penn, MIT, Stanford, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 7,653 (undergraduate); 10,870 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,040
• Median SAT: 1540
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 99%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

California Institute of Technology

• Pasadena, CA

Academic Highlights: Across all divisions, there are 28 distinct majors. Possessing an absurdly favorable 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, plenty of individualized attention is up for grabs. Class sizes are not quite as tiny as the student-to-faculty ratio might suggest, but 70% of courses enroll fewer than twenty students, and 28% enroll fewer than ten. Computer science is the most popular major, accounting for 38% of all degrees conferred. Engineering (30%), the physical sciences (20%), and mathematics (6%) also have strong representation.

Professional Outcomes: Caltech is a rare school that sees six-figure average starting salaries for its graduates; in 2022, the median figure was $120,000. Forty-three percent of recent grads went directly into the workforce and found homes at tech giants such as Google, Intel, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta. A healthy 46% of those receiving their diplomas in 2022 continued directly on the higher education path, immediately entering graduate school. Ninety-seven percent of these students were admitted to one of their top-choice schools.

• Enrollment: 982
• Cost of Attendance: $86,886
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 3%
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 94%

Harvard University

• Cambridge, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50 undergraduate fields of study referred to as concentrations; many are interdisciplinary. Even with a graduate population of over 14,000 to cater to, undergraduate class sizes still tend to be small, with 42% of sections having single-digit enrollments and 71% being capped at nineteen. Economics, government, and computer science are the three most popular areas of concentration at Harvard. Biology, chemistry, physics, math, statistics, sociology, history, English, and psychology all sit atop most departmental ranking lists.

Professional Outcomes: The Crimson Class of 2022 saw 15% of students head directly into graduate/professional school. Of the graduates entering the world of work (virtually everyone else), 58% were entering either the consulting, finance, or technology field. Over 1,000 Harvard alumni presently work for Google and over 500 for Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. Turning our attention to those moving on to graduate school, Harvard grads with at least a 3.5 GPA typically enjoy acceptance rates into medical school of 90% or greater.

• Enrollment: 7,240
• Cost of Attendance: $79,450
• Median SAT: 1550
• Graduation Rate: 98%

Princeton University

• Princeton, NJ

Academic Highlights: 39 majors are available at Princeton. Just under three-quarters of class sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 31% have fewer than ten students. Princeton is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, and students consistently rate professors as accessible and helpful. The Engineering Department is widely recognized as one of the country’s best, as is the School of Public and International Affairs.

Professional Highlights: Over 95% of a typical Tiger class finds their next destination within six months of graduating. Large numbers of recent grads flock to the fields of business and engineering, health/science, & tech. Companies presently employing hundreds of Tiger alumni include Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and Meta. The average salary ranges from $40k (education, health care, or social services) to $100k (computer/mathematical positions). Between 15-20% of graduating Tigers head directly to graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 5,604 (undergraduate); 3,238 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,700
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Retention Rate: 97%

Columbia University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: Columbia offers 100+ unique areas of undergraduate study as well as a number of pre-professional and accelerated graduate programs.  Class sizes at Columbia are reasonably small and the student-to-faculty ratio is favorable; however, in 2022, it was revealed that the university had been submitting faulty data in this area. It is presently believed that 58% of undergraduate courses enroll 19 or fewer students. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (22%), computer science (15%), engineering (14%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Examining the most recent graduates from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science, 73% had found employment within six months, and 20% had entered graduate school. The median starting salary for graduates of Columbia College/Columbia Engineering is above $80,000. Many graduates get hired by the likes of Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Citi, McKinsey, and Microsoft.

• Enrollment: 8,832
• Cost of Attendance: $89,587
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Graduation Rate: 95%

University of California, Los Angeles

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers 125 majors in 100+ academic departments, and more than 60 majors require a capstone experience that results in the creation of a tangible product under the mentorship of faculty members. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (25%), biology (16%), psychology (11%), mathematics (8%), and engineering (7%). Departmental rankings are high across the board, especially in computer science, engineering, film, fine and performing arts, mathematics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA grads flow most heavily into the research, finance, computer science, and engineering sectors. High numbers of recent grads can be found at Disney, Google, EY, Teach for America, Amazon, and Oracle. Hundreds also can be found at Bloomberg, Deloitte, Mattel, Oracle, and SpaceX. The average starting salary exceeds $55,000. 16% of recent grads enrolled directly in a graduate/professional school, with other CA-based institutions like Stanford, Pepperdine, USC, Berkeley, and Loyola Marymount being the most popular.

• Enrollment: 33,040 (undergraduate); 15,010 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,517 (in-state); $71,091 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Graduation Rate: 93%

University of California, Berkeley

• Berkeley, CA

Academic Highlights: More than 150 undergraduate majors and minors are available across six schools: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Chemistry, the College of Engineering, the College of Environmental Design, the College of Natural Resources, and the Haas School of Business. Many departments have top international reputations including computer science, engineering, chemistry, English, psychology, and economics. 22% of sections contain nine or fewer students, and over 55% of students assist faculty with a research project or complete a research methods course.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 49% of Cal’s Class of 2022 had already secured employment, and 20% were headed to graduate school. Business is the most popular sector, attracting 62% of employed grads; next up are industrial (17%), education (8%), and nonprofit work (7%). The median starting salary was $86,459 across all majors. Thousands of alumni can be found in the offices of Google, Apple, and Meta, and 500+ Golden Bears are currently employed by Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft. The school is the number one all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 32,831 (undergraduate); 12,914 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $48,574 (in-state); $82,774 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Retention Rate: 96%

University of California, Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz, CA

Academic Highlights: 73 undergraduate majors are available at UCSC within the following academic divisions: arts, humanities, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, and the Jack Baskin School of Engineering. 75% of undergraduates conduct research during their four years. Biology is the university’s most popular major; 15% of all degrees conferred in 2022 were in this discipline. 14% of degrees were granted in the social sciences, 13% in computer and information sciences, and 12% in psychology. CS is one of UCSC’s most respected programs.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of earning their degree, 29% of UCSC grads had found employment and 17% started graduate programs. Proximity to Silicon Valley helps open doors to companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Genentech, and Cisco, which all employ over 250 alumni. More than 100 alums can also be found in the offices of Amazon, Salesforce, Microsoft, Adobe, and LinkedIn. Among graduates from the last five years, over half make more than $40k.

• Enrollment: 17,502 (undergraduate); 1,976 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,283 (in-state); $73,857 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Retention Rate: 88%
• Graduation Rate: 77%

Swarthmore College

• Swarthmore, PA

Academic Highlights: Swarthmore offers forty undergraduate programs and runs 600+ courses each academic year. Small, seminar-style courses are the norm—an outstanding 33% of sections enroll fewer than ten students, and 70% contain a maximum of nineteen students. Social science degrees are the most commonly conferred, accounting for 24% of all 2022 graduates. Future businessmen/women, engineers, and techies are also well-positioned, given Swat’s incredibly strong offerings in economics, engineering, and computer science.

Professional Outcomes: 68% of Class of 2022 grads entered the workforce shortly after graduation. Popular industries included education (17%), consulting (16%), and financial services (13%); the median starting salary was $60,000. Google is a leading employer of Swarthmore grads followed by Amazon, Goldman Sachs, IBM, and a number of the top universities.  18% of 2022 grads pursued advanced degrees, with 35% pursuing a PhD, 35% entering master’s programs, 10% heading to law school, and 7% matriculating into medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,625
• Cost of Attendance: $81,376
• Median SAT: 1500
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 7%

Whitman College

• Walla Walla, WA

Academic Highlights: With 51 majors and 35 minors, the academic offerings at Whitman are robust. Biology, politics, and economics are especially renowned, and the greatest number of degrees are typically conferred in the social sciences (22%), biology (15%), psychology (9%), and the visual and performing arts (9%). Undergraduate research is embedded into the foundation of a Whitman education, and with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors have a reputation for being extremely available and attentive.

Professional Outcomes: After graduation, 64% of Whitman grads immediately begin their careers and 20% enroll directly in graduate programs. Twenty or more alumni currently work for Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Nordstrom. In the last few years, interesting first jobs included a paralegal at the US Department of Justice-Antitrust Division, an audio archivist at the Smithsonian, and a marketing assistant at Oxford University Press. Ultimately, 60% of alumni go on to earn advanced degrees at some point post-graduation, and the school is a top producer of PhDs.

• Enrollment: 1,493
• Cost of Attendance: $77,532
• Median SAT: 1385
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 48%
• Graduation Rate: 90%

Carnegie Mellon University

• Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: There are a combined 80+ undergraduate majors and 90 minors available across the six schools. Impressively, particularly for a school with more graduate students than undergrads, CMU boasts a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, with 36% containing single digits. In a given school year, 800+ undergraduates conduct research through the University Research Office. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (21%), computer science (16%), mathematics (12%), business (10%), and visual and performing arts (9%).

Professional Outcomes: By the end of the calendar year in which they received their diplomas, 66% of 2022 grads were employed, and 28% were continuing to graduate school. The companies that have routinely scooped up CMU grads include Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Accenture, McKinsey, and Deloitte. With an average starting salary of $105,194, CMU grads outpace the average starting salary for a college grad nationally. Of those pursuing graduate education, around 20% typically enroll immediately in PhD programs.

• Enrollment: 7,509
• Cost of Attendance: $84,412
• Graduation Rate: 92%

University of Colorado Boulder

• Boulder, CO

Academic Highlights: CU Boulder offers 90 bachelor’s degree programs across seven different schools and colleges; the College of Engineering & Applied Science and the Leeds School of Business both possess excellent national reputations. Business/marketing is the discipline where the greatest number of degrees (15%) were conferred in 2022. Engineering (13%), biology (12%), social sciences (12%), and journalism (10%) are next in popularity. 41% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and only 19% of courses enroll 50 or more students.

Professional Outcomes : Within six months of leaving CU Boulder, 91% of recent grads were working or in graduate school. Those employed earned an estimated median salary of $54k, with the greatest number working at Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, Deloitte, Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, KPMG, Charles Schwab, and Boeing. More than 100 alumni can also be found at Google, Oracle, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. 20% of new grads immediately jumped into an advanced degree program, and 80% were accepted into their first-choice school.

• Enrollment: 31,103 (undergraduate); 7,110 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,744 (in-state); $60,118 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1280
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate: 75%

University of Maryland, College Park

• College Park, MD

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can select from 100+ majors across twelve colleges. 18% of degrees are conferred in computer science, followed by the social sciences (13%), with  criminology, government and politics, and economics being the most popular majors.  Engineering (13%), business (11%), and biology (8%) are next in line. The School of Business, the School of Engineering, and the College of Journalism are all top-ranked, as are programs in computer science and criminology. 46% of sections enroll fewer than twenty students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 96% of Class of 2022 grads had positive outcomes. 67% found employment; the companies/organizations that hired the greatest number of grads included Northrop Grumman, Deloitte, Amazon, and EY. Meta, Apple, and Google employ more than 200 alumni each.  The mid-50% salary range for 2022 grads was $55k-$83k. 21% of the Class of 2022 headed directly to graduate and professional school; 11% entered doctoral programs, 5% entered medical school, and 5% entered law school.

• Enrollment: 30,353 (undergraduate); 10,439 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,540 (in-state); $60,918 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1440
• Acceptance Rate: 84%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

The University of Texas at Austin

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 150 majors, including those at the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most heralded undergraduate engineering schools around, and The McCombs School of Business, which dominates in the specialty areas of accounting and marketing. The computer science department is also top-ranked. In terms of degrees conferred, engineering is tied with biology (12%) followed by communication (11%), business (11%), and the social sciences (8%). The elite Plan II Honors Program is one of the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within the College of Liberal Arts, six months after graduating, 68% of Longhorns are employed and 24% have entered graduate school. The for-profit sector attracts 65% of those employed while 19% enter public sector employment and 16% pursue jobs at a nonprofit. Major corporations that employ more than 500 UT Austin grads include Google, Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple. Engineering majors took home a median income of $79k and business majors took home $70k.

• Enrollment: 41,309 (undergraduate); 11,075 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $30,752-$34,174 (in-state); $61,180-$69,310 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1430
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

University of Washington – Seattle

• Seattle, WA

Academic Highlights: 180+ undergraduate majors are offered across thirteen colleges/schools. Personal connections with professors abound as 55% of grads complete a faculty-mentored research project. The College of Engineering, which includes the College of Computer Science & Engineering, is one of the best in the nation; UW also boasts strong programs in everything from business to social work to environmental science. The most popular degrees are the social sciences (13%), biology (12%), computer science (11%), and business (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of graduation, 73% of Class of 2022 grads were employed and 17% were continuing their education. The most popular employers of the Class of 2022 included Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and KPMG. Across all living alumni, 6,000+ work for Microsoft, and 4000+ work for each of Boeing and Amazon. Of those headed to graduate/professional school, just over half remain in state, mostly at UW itself. Large numbers of 2022 grads also headed to Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and USC.

• Enrollment: 36,872 (undergraduate); 16,211 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $34,554 (in-state); $63,906 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1420
• Retention Rate: 94%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

Wesleyan University

• Middletown, CT

Academic Highlights: With 45 majors and 32 minors, Wes truly has something for everyone. The academic requirements are relatively minimal, giving undergrads a high degree of intellectual freedom. Under 75% of class sections have fewer than twenty students; students rave about the accessible faculty. Research opportunities with professors are plentiful. Offerings in economics, English, film studies, and neuroscience typically receive the most praise from employers/grad schools; accordingly, the social sciences (24%), psychology (17%), and the visual and performing arts (12%) are the most popular.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 66% of 2022 grads had entered employment, with tech/engineering/sciences, education, and arts/entertainment being the three top sectors. The companies employing the highest numbers of recent Wesleyan grads included Google, Epic, Analysis Group, Boston Medical Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture, and Apple. Graduate school was the next stop for 18% of new alums; enrolling institutions included MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Harvard, Temple, and UMass.

• Enrollment: 3,069 (undergraduate); 184 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,094
• Acceptance Rate: 14%

Williams College

• Williamstown, MA

Academic Highlights: The school’s 25 academic departments offer 36 majors and a number of concentrations rather than minors. An unparalleled 40% of courses have fewer than ten students enrolled; the median class size is 12 students. Programs in economics, English, history, math, and political science are especially renowned, and the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (26%), the physical sciences (10%), math and statistics (9%), psychology (9%), and computer science (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2022, 92% were employed or continuing their educational journey within six months of graduating. Business and education typically attract the most students, with popular companies/organizations including Apple, Google, Goldman Sachs, The New York Times Co., the Peace Corps, and Teach for America. The median annual income for 2022 grads was $75,000. 75% pursue an advanced degree within five years of leaving Williams, with the most frequently attended graduate programs being Harvard, Columbia, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 2,152 (undergraduate); 53 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $81,160
• Median SAT: 1520
• Acceptance Rate: 8%

University of Virginia

• Charlottesville, VA

Academic Highlights: Undergrads can study within one of seven colleges/schools, which all offer many small classes; 15% boast single-digit enrollment and 48% contain 19 or fewer students. The McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Engineering and Applied Science have glowing reputations. Other notable strengths include computer science, economics, and political philosophy, policy, and law. The most popular degree areas are liberal arts/general studies (22%), the social sciences (14%), engineering (11%), business/marketing (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes:  Upon receiving their degree, 95% of the Class of 2022 immediately joined the workforce–with an average starting salary of $90k–or headed directly to graduate school. The most popular industries were internet & software, higher education, and management consulting. Capital One (85), Deloitte (46), Amazon (38), and Bain & Co. (26) scooped up the greatest number of 2022 grads. UVA itself was the most popular grad school destination followed by Columbia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 17,496 (undergraduate); 8,653 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $39,494-49,874 (in-state); $78,214-90,378 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Acceptance Rate: 19%

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

• Enrollment: 2,447
• Cost of Attendance: $84,240
• Median SAT: 1490
• Median ACT: 34

Colgate University

• Hamilton, NY

Academic Highlights: Fifty-six majors are on tap at Colgate, including all of the expected liberal arts concentrations. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 16, Colgate undergraduates work intimately with their instructors. The social sciences account for 35% of all degrees conferred and, within that umbrella, economics, political science, and English are among the most popular and most well-regarded majors.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, only a small number of Colgate alumni are still looking for work; in 2022, that group represented less than 2% of the graduating class. A substantial 80% had already landed full-time jobs. Employers hiring the most Colgate grads included BOA, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, EY, Wayfair, and the NIH. 85-95% of law school applicants are accepted into one of their target institutions. The medical school numbers were even more impressive with 100% of graduating seniors gaining acceptance into at least one med school.

• Enrollment: 3,130
• Cost of Attendance: $83,814
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Graduation Rate: 91%

Vassar College

• Poughkeepsie, NY

Academic Highlights: Vassar students have the choice of 50 majors and only three foundational curricular mandates, which means that there is plenty of room to explore electives and intellectual passions. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 17 students, and 23% of all sections have an enrollment of nine or fewer. Professors are extremely available outside the classroom. The most popular majors are in the social sciences, biology, the visual and performing arts, foreign languages, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of alums enjoy positive outcomes within six months of graduation, with 20% enrolling directly in a graduate or professional degree program. A solid number land at competitive companies like Google, Meta, EY, Deloitte, Microsoft, Citi, and Amazon. Elite universities such as Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Columbia are also among the top employers of former students, many of whom earn advanced degrees and enter academia. The school is one of the top 15 PhD producers.

• Enrollment: 2,459
• Cost of Attendance: $85,220
• Median SAT: 1480

Rice University

• Houston, TX

Academic Highlights : Rice offers more than 50 majors across six broad disciplines: engineering, architecture, music, social science, humanities, and natural science. Programs in biology, biochemistry, cognitive science, and music are incredibly strong, while the School of Architecture and the George R. Brown School of Engineering are among the highest-ranking schools in their disciplines. One-third of computer science majors are female, almost twice the national average. Class sizes are ideally small with 66% containing fewer than 20 students and a median class size of only fourteen.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 88% of Rice grads have found careers or a graduate school home. Companies that employ many recent grads include Deloitte, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, Google, and Microsoft. Over one hundred alumni are also current employees of companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Amazon, Accenture, and Meta. Across all majors, the average starting salary is $73k. One-third of graduates move directly into graduate or professional school, with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, and Berkeley being the most popular destinations.

• Enrollment: 4,494 (undergraduate); 4,178 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $78,278
• Median SAT: 1530
• Median SAT: 35

Haverford College

• Haverford, PA

Academic Highlights: Haverford offers 31 majors, 32 minors, 12 concentrations, and eleven consortium programs—areas of study that can be pursued at partner campuses. The school’s 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and exclusive emphasis on undergraduate education lead to exceptionally intimate classes, 33% of which have fewer than 10 students, and 72% have fewer than 20. The most popular areas of study at Haverford include the social sciences (24%), biology (14%), psychology (11%), physical sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and mathematics (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Haverford, 63% of the Class of 2022 had found employment, 19% had enrolled in graduate school, and 9% were still job hunting. Employers hiring multiple recent Haverford grads include Epic, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Boston Consulting Group, Goldman Sachs, the National Institutes of Health, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Of the 19% of 2022 grads who elected to continue their education, the most commonly entered fields of study were STEM (51%) and medicine/health (15%).

• Enrollment: 1,421
• Cost of Attendance: $87,180

Amherst College

• Amherst, MA

Academic Highlights: A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for 66% of courses to have fewer than twenty students and 32% to have single-digit enrollments. By senior year, 98% of seniors report feeling close enough to a faculty member to ask for a letter of recommendation. Amherst possesses strong offerings across the board, most notably in economics, English, history, mathematics, and law The social sciences account for 22% of degrees conferred, while 14% are in mathematics, 11% in biology, and 7% in computer science

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 93% of the Class of 2022 had already found its way into the world of employment, graduate school, or a volunteer organization.  The largest employers of Amherst grads includes Google, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs. The schools where the highest number of Amherst grads can be found pursuing advanced degrees include MIT, Dartmouth, and the University of Pennsylvania. Fifty to sixty Amherst grads apply to medical school each year, and the acceptance rate hovers around 75-80%.

• Enrollment: 1,898
• Cost of Attendance: $84,840

University of Florida

• Gainesville, FL

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. The Warrington College of Business and the Wertheim College of Engineering are highly respected, so it’s no surprise that those two programs confer the greatest percentage of degrees—12% and 14%, respectively. Biology (11%), the social sciences (11%), and health professions (8%) are next in popularity. 53% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 33% of students partake in an undergraduate research experience.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation day, 66% of the Class of 2022 had already procured a first job. The top occupational areas were engineering (13%), health care (13%), computer science (5%), and marketing (4%). 200+ Gator alumni can be found at top corporations like Google, EY, Raymond James, Deloitte, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and PwC. The average salary for all 2022 grads was $69k, with a high of $100k for computer science majors. Of those pursuing advanced degrees, a master’s degree was the most popular pursuit (63%) followed by law school (11%).

• Enrollment: 34,552 (undergraduate); 20,659 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $23,530 (in-state); $45,808 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1400
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 23%

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 18%

The Ohio State University — Columbus

• Columbus, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 200+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. Business sees the greatest percentage of degrees conferred at 18% followed by engineering (15%), health professions (10%), and the social sciences (9%). It makes sense that so many flock to the business and engineering schools as they are among the highest-rated undergraduate programs in their respective disciplines. 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and approximately 20% of students gain research experience.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 56% of Class of 2022 graduates were entering the world of employment while 17% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.  Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation’s leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, more than 1,000 are employed by Amazon, and more than 600 work for Google and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU’s own programs.

• Enrollment: 45,728 (undergraduate); 14,318 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,241 (in-state); $52,747 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1340-1450
• Median ACT: 29-32
• Acceptance Rate: 53%

University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Madison, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, including the top-ranked School of Business and College of Engineering as well as the College of Letters and Science, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Schools of Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, and Human Ecology. Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 44% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Business (18%), biology (12%), the social sciences (11%), and engineering (10%) are most popular.

Professional Outcomes: In a recent year, 46% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.  Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, Kohl’s, Oracle, Deloitte, and UW Health. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Target, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, PwC, Accenture, and Meta. 28% of recent grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school; the majority stayed at UW–Madison while others headed to Columbia, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon. The university is the top producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 37,230 (undergraduate); 12,656 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,916 (in-state); $58,912 (out-of-state)
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 49%

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Champaign-Urbana, IL

Academic Highlights: Eight of UIUC’s fifteen schools cater to undergraduate students. There are 150 academic programs offered, including those at the acclaimed Grainger College of Engineering and Gies College of Business. In sheer volume of degrees conferred, engineering and business/marketing are tied at 19%, followed by the social sciences (9%) and psychology (6%). 39% of sections are capped at 19 students. 29% of undergraduates work with a faculty member on a research project; another 22% have some type of fieldwork, practicum, or clinical experience.

Professional Outcomes: 95% of the members of the Class of 2022 landed at their next destination within six months of graduation, with 38% matriculating directly into an advanced degree program. 57% were employed full-time; the most popular sectors were finance, consulting, healthcare, electronics, and education. Corporations landing the most recent Illini grads were KPMG, Deloitte, Epic Systems, EY, PwC, and Amazon. The average salary across all Class of 2022 majors was an extremely solid $75,000.

• Enrollment: 35,120 (undergraduate); 21,796 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,926-$41,190 (in-state); $55,386-$63,290 (out-of-state)
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

Boston University

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across ten schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—60% contain fewer than twenty students; only 19% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in social sciences (16%), business/marketing (15%), communications and journalism (15%), biology (11%), engineering (9%), and health professions/related sciences (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 90% of BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-quarter of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs. For example, engineering students found new academic homes at MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 18,459
• Cost of Attendance: $86,363

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Astronomy and Astrophysics to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

• AP Score Calculators 
• SAT Score Calculator 
• ACT Score Calculator
• Best Summer Programs 
• College List Building Tool
• Best Colleges by Major

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

Best Astrophysics colleges in the U.S. 2024

Best astrophysics colleges in the u.s. for 2024.

Lehigh University offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 3 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 3 Bachelor's degrees.

University of California-Berkeley offers 3 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 54 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 46 Bachelor's degrees, 5 Master's degrees, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

Carnegie Mellon University offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 8 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 8 Bachelor's degrees.

University of California-Santa Cruz offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 49 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 49 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 20 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 20 Bachelor's degrees.

Columbia University in the City of New York offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 12 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 12 Bachelor's degrees.

Rochester Institute of Technology offers 2 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 8 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees, and 2 Doctoral degrees.

Indiana University-Bloomington offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 1 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 1 Doctoral degree.

University of California-Los Angeles offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 41 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 41 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers 1 Astrophysics degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 5 Astrophysics students graduated with students earning 5 Bachelor's degrees.

Find local colleges with Astrophysics majors in the U.S.

List of all astrophysics colleges in the u.s..

Best Physics Schools

Ranked in 2023, part of Best Science Schools

Graduate schools for physics typically offer a range of

Graduate schools for physics typically offer a range of specialty programs, from quantum physics to relativity, as well as plentiful research opportunities to bolster a science education. These are the best physics schools. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

• Clear Filters

• Best Colleges
• Application Advice

• Science Colleges

The 10 Best Astrophysics and Astronomy Schools in the US

Astronomy and astrophysics are excellent choices for students interested in the universe beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Astronomers observe and actively research space phenomena such as planets, stars, celestial bodies, galaxies, and black holes. 

From the nature of time to the origins of the universe, these scientists increase our knowledge of the natural world.

Astrophysicists concentrate on the physical processes associated with solar systems. They must apply a solid knowledge of physics to solve practical problems. In addition, they study complex subjects such as string theory and dark energy.

These professionals analyze astronomical data using computer software and models of the solar system. They are responsible for writing scientific papers about their experiments and drafting proposals for new research funding. Other astronomers design scientific equipment, from optical telescopes to satellites.

Astronomy is a highly technical field that requires a BS degree or higher to perform research. While in school, undergraduate students complete coursework in astronomy, math, computer science, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetism. Graduate students can further specialize in a subfield according to their interests. 

Along with a comprehensive curriculum, astronomy school provides practical experiences such as research and hands-on opportunities. Students gain essential analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for their future careers. After graduation, astronomy students go on to work in R&D, universities, federal agencies, and museums, among other institutions.

There are over 2,300 astronomers across the United States, a figure which continues to grow. As more and more students gain an interest in the field, strong astronomy programs become more competitive. 

Here are 10 of the best astronomy and astrophysics schools in the US.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign County, IL)

At Illinois, astronomy students have access to unique learning experiences. The university is a leader in observational astronomy, cosmology, and theoretical astrophysics. Courses throughout the curriculum provide modern datasets to give hands-on experience analyzing real data.

Astronomy students at Illinois have access to leading facilities, including the South Pole Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, and state-of-the-art supercomputers at NCSA . 

From Arizona to Antarctica, students learn on industry-leading equipment. Many undergraduates take advantage of the school’s facilities to complete research projects outside of the classroom.

Illinois is at the forefront of astronomy research, exposing students to groundbreaking discoveries. A new study led by an astronomy department student and professor found a definitive relationship between black holes and their distinctive light-flickering patterns. 

Their work was published in Science .

Penn State University (University Park, PA)  

While at Penn State, students learn from over 60 faculty members . 

These educators are committed to helping students understand the universe using an interdisciplinary approach. Alexander Wolszscan, discoverer of the first exoplanets, is just one of the impressive faculty members that astronomy students interact with.

Astronomy students learn how to solve quantitative problems throughout the astronomy and astrophysics field. Courses focus on a wide range of topics including exoplanets, observational cosmology, radiation, space instrumentation, astrostatistics, and astrophysics. In their final years, students can choose whether to focus on physics or computer science to complete their education.

Along with educating college students, Penn State has an active collection of public outreach programs . The astronomy department promotes an interest in science for younger students and other members of the community. 

Through public lectures, workshops, planetarium shows, and stargazing, Penn State encourages an appreciation for astronomy.

University of Colorado at Boulder (Boulder, CO)

CU Boulder is recognized for its distinctive program that combines education in both astrophysics and planetary sciences . 

The astronomy department has access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Sommers-Bausch Observatory . Conveniently located on campus, the center offers hands-on training in astronomical observations. Astronomy students also gain experience with telescopes, optics, instrumentation, and image processing throughout the curriculum.

In order to keep students engaged, the astronomy department at CU Boulder hosts a variety of events. These include networking opportunities, guest lectures, and open houses. The department colloquia provides a forum to discuss new topics in astronomy with other members of the program.

UC Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA)

UC Santa Cruz leads the field in both observational and theoretical research. In 2017, the university was ranked as #1 for research influence in the physical sciences and #4 overall. This is the result of an impressive number of citations by other astronomy researchers.

Along with leading research, students in the astronomy department learn from the top experts in the field. UC Santa Cruz faculty members have earned impressive recognitions, such as the Gruber Cosmology Prize, Benjamin Franklin Medal, and National Medal of Science . Other professors are members of professional societies relating to astronomy and astrophysics.

The university manages the UC Observatories, including the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton. Designed by UC Santa Cruz scientists, the Keck Telescopes on Mauna Kea are the world’s largest optical and infrared telescopes.

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) 

Johns Hopkins is home to the Maryland Space Grant Consortium (MDSGC) , selected for its unique role in Maryland’s astronomy education. The group is made up of other institutions in the area who collaborate closely with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. In order to strengthen scientific education, MDSGC is committed to solidifying Maryland’s visibility as a center of space science.

The flexible astronomy program at Johns Hopkins prepares students to achieve their career goals, whether it is further study, medical school, or technological careers. Students gain a strong understanding of basic subjects, then further specialize in condensed matter physics, particle physics, astronomy and astrophysics, or plasma physics.

Astronomy students can participate in department workshops to discuss a variety of relevant topics. These are hosted by a rotating body of institutions, including Johns Hopkins, Chalmers University, and the University of Florence, 

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)

The University of Arizona has one of the nation’s largest astronomy enrollments for non-science majors . Students from all majors can learn directly from astronomy professors, making the program an outstanding option for both the serious aspiring astronomer as well as the student with a basic interest.

During the academic year, undergraduates can participate in paid, part-time research opportunities through the UArizona NASA Space Grant program. Students work alongside practicing scientists to perform innovative research. Topics include zero-gravity effects, mining atmospheric fuel, climate effects, and the development of lunar rovers.

The astronomy club at the University of Arizona aims to foster a passion for astronomy in all students. They provide an array of opportunities to work on astronomy projects with peers and astronomers. Regardless of major, this organization engages undergraduates through astrophotography, model rocketry, planetarium building, stargazing, and more.

UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

Since the 1870’s, Berkeley has been an active member in astronomy education and discovery. The astronomy department is recognized for its work on discovering comet orbits and asteroids . Today, Berkeley houses over 30 astronomy faculty and many passionate students.

The courses in the astronomy program are taught by faculty experts, ensuring a more thorough education. At Berkeley, astronomy students gain valuable research experience, computational abilities, and an analytical mindset. This education prepares them to act as a leader and drive innovation in their field.

Astronomy students can participate in research at unique centers, such as the Berkeley SETI Research Center . This program aims to detect electromagnetic signals from other planets. As an intern, students can work alongside scientists and engineers to analyze data from Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest steerable radio telescope.

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) 

At Carnegie Mellon, the physics department provides a deeper understanding of what the world is made of and how it works. 

The McWilliams Center for Cosmolog y helps students to understand the makeup of the universe better. Using an interdisciplinary approach, researchers employ observational, experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches. The facility brings together researchers from many disciplines, from physics to software engineering.

Carnegie Mellon physics graduates go on to find success in the astronomy and astrophysics fields. 

Alumni of the program work in the industry at renowned companies such as NASA, SpaceX, and Boeing . Others go on to top graduate schools from Stanford to UChicago to further study astrophysics.

Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)

While at Princeton, astronomy majors are part of a relatively small department with 15 – 20 students each year. The close-knit program allows for a supportive atmosphere and strong relationships with faculty members. 

Despite the small size, students have access to some of the most advanced technological facilities in the nation.

The university is home to the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory , the largest center for space science studies in the United States. Supported by the US Department of Energy, the laboratory aims to explore fusion and the plasma universe. The facility is home to advanced computational simulations, vacuum technology, and high-voltage power systems.

Each summer, astrophysics students participate in the Undergraduate Summer Research Program . Students complete an intensive workshop on computer programming and astronomical statistics, followed by an independent research project. Some students write research articles on the work completed in this program.

California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA) 

Caltech’s astronomy program emphasizes giving students the tools for a successful career in research. The curriculum boasts a wide range of physics, computation, math, and astrophysics courses based on each student’s interests. In addition, the program requires writing and oral presentation courses so astronomy students graduate as effective communicators.

Every astronomy student at Caltech performs multiple research projects. Past research theses include various astronomy subjects such as black holes, infrared sky, surface water on Mars, galaxy alignment, numerical relativity, and galaxy spectroscopy.

Targeted to launch in 2023, SPHEREx is a NASA mission managed collaboratively by Caltech and JPL. The center aims to map the large-scale structure of our universe using infrared spectroscopy. Students working with the center will be at the cutting-edge of space exploration.

Related Posts

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from television, it’s that forensic science is a very…

Dentists are responsible for diagnosing problems with patients’ teeth. To become a dentist, students need…

Students must weigh many different factors when choosing among the best dental schools. After all,…

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The Best Marine Biology Colleges in California

The Best Master’s in Computer Science Programs in the US

The Best Paleontology Schools in the US

The Best Geology Schools in the US

The Best Archaeology Schools in the US

The 10 Best Software Engineering Schools in the US

POPULAR POSTS

The 10 Best Marine Biology Colleges in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Optometry Schools in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Dental Schools in the US

Popular category.

• Acceptance Rates 253
• Hidden Gem Colleges 81
• Medical Schools 76
• Ivy League Schools 62
• Law Schools 49
• Performing Arts 45
• Art Schools 42
• Health Sciences 40
• Summer Programs 39
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Physics Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 258 results

MIT School of Science

Cambridge, MA •

Massachusetts Institute of Technology •

Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Stanford University ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

New Haven, CT •

Yale University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The resources at Yale are outstanding. While some of the required courses are slow-moving and less informative, I do have more academic freedom in my second year to the program to take classes that I enjoy across all departments (including data science, statistics, computer science, and law). ... Read 2 reviews

Yale University ,

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The resources at Yale are outstanding. While some of the required courses are slow-moving and less informative, I do have more academic freedom in my second year to the program to take classes that I... .

Read 2 reviews.

Mississippi State University College of Arts and Sciences

Mississippi State University •

Graduate School •

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS

New Jersey Institute of Technology

• • Rating 4.62 out of 5   26

College of Science and Engineering - University of Houston - Clear Lake

University of Houston - Clear Lake •

HOUSTON, TX

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Princeton university.

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help students in office hours or in sponsorship of projects. The worst part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the lack of structure for the graduate research program which can leave you feeling unsure on the direction of your research. ... Read 3 reviews

PRINCETON, NJ ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help... .

Read 3 reviews.

• Find college scholarships

Duke University School of Medicine

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.76 out of 5   17 reviews

Doctoral Student: Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. ... Read 17 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. .

Read 17 reviews.

The Graduate School at Duke

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Current Master's student: The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. ... Read 5 reviews

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. .

Read 5 reviews.

Brown University Graduate School

Providence, RI •

Brown University •

Brown University ,

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

• Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
• Optics Graduate Programs
• Public Administration Graduate Programs

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Washington University in St. Louis - Arts & Sciences

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

Hanover, NH •

Dartmouth College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary learning. Guarini is well integrated within the College, which provides a unique world-class learning experience. Guarini went beyond my expectations and made this experience the best I had and will ever have in my life. The only thing I would like changed is having a GRAD diploma in Latin instead of English to keep up with College tradition. ... Read 1 review

Dartmouth College ,

HANOVER, NH ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary... .

Read 1 reviews.

Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy - California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA •

California Institute of Technology •

California Institute of Technology ,

PASADENA, CA ,

College of Science - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

Physical Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

Master's Student: The masters in computer science at UChicago has an opportunity for students from nontraditional computer science backgrounds to take “immersion courses” to get up to speed before taking the masters level coursework, which is extremely inclusive programming. The program is also a top competitor and prepares students for professional careers. ... Read 1 review

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The masters in computer science at UChicago has an opportunity for students from nontraditional computer science backgrounds to take “immersion courses” to get up to speed before taking the masters... .

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my professors and I believe that I am getting the best education in the country! ... Read 3 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my... .

Georgetown University School of Medicine

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1 and Step 2 preparation. ... Read 4 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1... .

Read 4 reviews.

School of Arts and Sciences - Tufts University

Medford, MA •

Tufts University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: My experience was mostly great! I felt supported by faculty and staff and became involved in student activities. It was just unfortunate that my on-campus experience was cut short due to the pandemic so I was not able to fully take advantage of all the program and graduate school had to offer. ... Read 4 reviews

Tufts University ,

MEDFORD, MA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience was mostly great! I felt supported by faculty and staff and became involved in student activities. It was just unfortunate that my on-campus experience was cut short due to the pandemic... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

Colorado School of Mines

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   9

Mississippi State University

• • Rating 4.51 out of 5   49

Illinois Institute of Technology

CHICAGO, IL

• • Rating 4.37 out of 5   38

Showing results 1 through 25 of 258

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Astrophysics /

Astrophysics Colleges in India: Courses, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fee Structure, & Scope

• Updated on  
• Jan 22, 2024

You might think about famous personalities like Neil DeGrasse Tyson when it comes to astrophysics ! Tyson is one of the main reasons for astrophysics’ entry into mainstream discourse. Though it is one of the fascinating branches of astronomy , it is not one of the most coveted science stream courses in India and those who wish to study the subject might have a hard time deciding how and where to pursue it. That is why we have compiled a list of top astrophysics colleges in India, their major courses, admissions requirements, and more!

This Blog Includes:

What is astrophysics, indian institute of science, bangalore, indian institute of astrophysics, bangalore, tata institute of fundamental research (tifr) , national centre for radio astrophysics, pune, aryabhatta research institute of observational sciences (aries) , other great colleges, eligibility criteria, astrophysics: course and syllabus, fee structure for astrophysics, astrophysics: careers and salary, scope of astrophysics.

Simply defined, Astrophysics, commonly called space science is a subset of astronomy that primarily studies celestial objects and their composition by applying the laws and principles of physics to explain the phenomenon. The study of astronomy and its branches can be dated back to Greek philosophers like Aristotle who sought to study space and its components but it was Galileo and Newton that transformed the tradition of astronomy and its study. The study of cosmology and planetary science is closely associated with astrophysics and is often referred to as sister sciences.

Some of the course’s main objectives are listed below.

• To learn more about the universe’s composition.
• To expose the truths and dispel myths about the universe.
• To create new observational techniques for a better understanding of the solar system.

Must Read: Branches in MSc Physics

Top Astrophysics Colleges in India

Astrophysics is a specialization more commonly offered at the postgraduate or doctoral level degree in India. Here is a list of the top 5 colleges in India for astrophysics that you can explore

Ranked 1st by the NIRF India Ranking 2023, the Indian Institute of Science located in Bangalore is a leading research institution in areas like biological sciences , physics , chemistry , engineering , and management. IISc, Bangalore is a publicly deemed university that gained the status of Institute of Eminence in 2018 and is one of the top Astrophysics colleges in India. The college has several ongoing research projects and offers bachelor, master, and PhD programs. The college’s Department of Physics offers programs like:

• Joint Astronomy Programme to train graduate students in astrophysics
• Integrated PhD program in physical sciences
• Regular Ph.D. programme 

Another leading Astrophysics college in India, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics is an autonomous research centre under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The center is committed to research and advancement in areas like astronomy and astrophysics; they have several ongoing research projects pertaining to the field and numerous observatories across India. The institute offers AICTE-approved postgraduate and doctoral programs such as:

• Integrated M.Tech – PhD programme in Astronomical Instrumentation in collaboration with the University of Calcutta
• PhD programme

Another exceptional research and educational centre for scientific study and research is Tata Institute Fundamental Research. TIFR is a deemed university primarily offering M.Sc, integrated M.Sc and PhD and PhD programmes in different branches of science like physics, chemistry, biology and in mathematics and computer science . It is one of the best Astrophysics Colleges in India for research courses and the institute offers PhD and integrated courses in areas like Astronomy & Astrophysics, Matter Physics & Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Nuclear & Atomic Physics and Theoretical Physics at their Mumbai campus.

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics is a leading research institute specialising in Radio Astronomy. NCRA is affiliated with TIFR and the Department of Atomic Energy. Its area of research includes topics like solar physics, theoretical cosmology, galaxies, interstellar medium, pulsars and neutron stars, galaxy evolution etc. Another key mention in our list of Astrophysics colleges in India, NCRA offers a PhD programme in astronomy and radio instrumentation for interested candidates.

ARIES is a research institution located in Uttarkhand and operates as an autonomous institute under the Dept of Science and Technology of Govt. of India. The institute is involved in research areas like Solar Physics, Stellar physics, Interstellar Matter, Relativistic Astrophysics etc. This Astrophysics college in India offers a PhD to M.Sc students interested in the field of astronomy & astrophysics as well as in atmospheric sciences.

Read More: Courses after BSc Physics

Apart from the top 5 institutes, there are other colleges in the nation that offers a specialization in Astrophysics. Some of them are listed below

• Physics Research Laboratory, Gujarat
• Indian Centre of Space Physics, Kolkata
• Osmania University, Hyderabad
• Institute of Fundamental Research, Tamil Nadu
• Raman Research Institute, Bangalore
• Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad 
• JNTU College of Engineering, Hyderabad
• Inter Universities Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune
• Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER)
• Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad

Before we get into the list of astrophysics colleges in India, let us look at the primary requirements and entrances you need to clear for building a career in the field.

• Candidates who belong to the science stream and have studied physics and mathematics at their 10+2 level are eligible
• Candidates with B.Sc /M.Sc in Physics/ Engineering or equivalent course with 55% at graduation level
• Candidates may have to appear for national entrances like GATE, JAM, CSIR-NET , IIAST, and JEST followed by a personal interview .

In terms of course objectives, an Astrophysics course includes some common subjects, the most important of which are:

• Properties of Matter
• Special Relativity
• Oscillation of waves
• Physics of field and matter
• Astrophysics
• Modern Physics
• Practical Physics
• Thermal Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Classical Mechanics
• Linear Algebra and Calculus
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Thermodynamics
• Statistics Physics
• Dynamics and Relativity
• Research Methodology
• Positional Astronomy
• Stellar Atmosphere
• Celestial and Fluid Mechanics
• Space Physics
• Electromagnetic Waves and Radiating Systems
• Astronomical Techniques
• Plasma Physics
• Lasers and Applications

The average fee for pursuing Astrophysics in India is given below.

While salaries vary according to the job role, responsibilities, research area, and experience, the average wages for each job profile are as follows:

Accomplished Astrophysics graduates are in high demand from institutes and organisations involved in research, theoretical work, and teaching in Astrophysics both in India and internationally. They are typically hired as Research Scientists by institutions that fund research and are given grants to undertake research work in their field of interest.

For those who are honestly intrigued about the universe and the secrets that its large stretches of unexplored regions hold, a career in Astrophysics can be extremely exciting and rewarding. Astrophysicists are given a lot of encouragement to actively pursue the observation of new planets, stars, and galaxies, and their discoveries can even earn them awards if they help advance our understanding of the universe.

Admission to Astrophysics courses is based on both merit and entrance exams. BITSAT, IIT JEE, IUCAA NCRA, and other popular and frequently taken entrance exams for Astrophysics courses

The Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Space Engineering (DAASE) was established as an interdisciplinary division at IIT Indore in December 2015, focusing on a wide range of research topics in the domains of astronomy, astrophysics, and space weather and navigation studies.

The candidate must have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent from a recognised board. The candidate must have majored in Mathematics and Physics in high school.

B.Sc Astrophysics has a wide range of applications in educational institutions and other research departments. There are also numerous offers for top positions in government organisations such as the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). An astronomer’s starting salary is Rs 50,000/- per month.

This was all about the best Astrophysics colleges in India for BSc/MSc/research-oriented and PhD-level Astrophysics courses. Hopefully, this blog helped you glean the different colleges and courses available in India. If you are unsure about choosing the right course in Astrophysics, our Leverage Edu experts are here to help you find the best program and university as per your interests and preferences! Sign up for a free session right away!

Related Post

An ardent reader and writer, Gitali loves to create meaningful and well-researched content on studying abroad, scholarships and exploring student life hacks. When she is not busy working, you can find her doodling in the corner or discussing why Seinfeld is the greatest sitcom ever.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

12 comments

Thank you sir❤

hi, I am completed 12th. I am eligibility to study B.sc astrophysics.

The minimum eligibility for BSc in Astrophysics is 10+2 in the science stream with compulsory subjects like Maths and Physics. If you have studied physics and maths in your 12th, then you are eligible for the course. (The cut-off for every university is different and you must meet all the requirements to enrol at the university) Hope this helps! All the best for your future endeavours!

I want to know the colleges for studying BSc astrophysics or space physics… I cannot find one… could you ols help me with this.🙏

Indian colleges don’t offer BSc in astrophysics, however, you can opt for BSc in Physics and later pursue postgraduation in Astrophysics. You can also consider foreign universities that offer BSc in Astrophysics. To know more, get in touch with our experts at 1800572000! Hope this helps! All the best!

Hello Sir I want to know whether any of the Institute provide Bsc Astrophysics.

In India, there aren’t many colleges that offer BSc Astrophysics. On the bright side, you can study BSc in Physics and then pursue Astrophysics in India or you apply to foreign universities for Bsc Astrophysics! If you need more help, please call us on 1800572000! Thank you!

How to take admission in ARIES for msc in astrophysics?

I want to study degree course of b.sc astronomy or astrophysics.

Hi, Purnesh. Read articles: Career In Astronomy: Know All About It Astrophysics Courses BSc Physics Exploring Astronomy Careers

For more information chat with us on 1800 57 2000!

Does nasa takes students from all this colleges in india

Can i join the astrophysics course after completing my b tech in electronics and communication engineering…and the required CGPA is?

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

• connect with us
• 1800-572-9877
• [email protected]
• We’re on your favourite socials!

Frequently Search

Couldn’t find the answer? Post your query here

• Science Articles

Top Astrophysics Colleges in India 2024: Courses, Fees, Rankings

Updated On: April 19, 2024 07:15 pm IST

Why Study Astrophysics in India?

List of best astrophysics colleges in india: edurank rankings.

Astrophysics Colleges in India: Astrophysics is a captivating field that deals with the enigma of the cosmos. India hosts specialized colleges and institutes dedicated to imparting Astrophysics education to aspirants. These institutions serve as hubs for understanding the workings of stars, planets, and the celestial expanse. Within these colleges, students engage in theoretical learning alongside practical experimentation, gaining a deeper understanding of cosmic phenomena. Moreover, these colleges maintain close ties with pivotal observatories, offering students invaluable opportunities to participate in first-hand space research projects. Upon completing their education in these establishments, students emerge equipped to make meaningful contributions to astrophysics, whether in India or on a global scale. Here, we present a curated list of the best Astrophysics colleges in India, detailing their key programs, admission criteria, and more!

Also Read: 

Studying Astrophysics courses in India is a great option for students. There are several reasons why this is the case. Let us take a closer look at some of these factors:

• Thriving Research Hub: India is home to prestigious institutions which offer top-notch education and research opportunities in Astrophysics.
• Active Space Program: ISRO plays a significant role in global space exploration. By studying astrophysics, you open doors to potentially join ISRO scientists in thrilling missions and cutting-edge research.
• Growing Investment: Both the Indian government and private sector are showing growing interest in space research, leading to a vibrant job market for astrophysics graduates. Opportunities abound in research, space exploration missions, and the development of space-based technology.
• Cost-Effective Option: For Indian students, pursuing Astrophysics courses in India can be a cost-effective choice compared to studying abroad. This affordability expands access to careers in Astrophysics, making them more achievable for aspiring professionals.

Also Read: How to get into ISRO after BTech CSE?

Here are some of the best universities and institutes that are known for their Astrophysics programs:

Let us discuss the top 10 Astrophysics colleges in India in detail below:

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) stands tall as a national hub within India, operating under the Department of Atomic Energy. Established by Dr Homi Bhabha in 1945, with generous backing from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, TIFR functions both as a university and as a research institute. TIFR remains renowned for its research-oriented courses, solidifying its status as one of India's best Astrophysics colleges.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is the first among the best Astrophysics colleges in India, renowned for its exceptional scientific research and educational offerings. Founded in 1909 in Bangalore, IISc has played a pivotal role in advancing our knowledge of Astrophysics and space research.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)

While some top Astrophysics colleges in India focus solely on Astrophysics programs, IITs take a different approach. You will not find dedicated undergraduate or postgraduate courses specifically in Astrophysics. Let's delve into some of these Astrophysics-related courses offered at different IITs:

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

At Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, the Department of Physics does not have standalone BSc or MSc programs focused solely on Astrophysics. Nevertheless, they do provide courses covering different aspects of Astrophysics and Space Science. 

Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Jadavpur University's Relativity and Cosmology Research Centre (RCRC) is a leading institution committed to advancing understanding and exploration in General Relativity, Astrophysics, and Cosmology. The RCRC holds frequent seminars and workshops where industry experts are invited to share their expertise. These events encourage lively discussions among researchers, offering a rich learning experience for students and scholars keen on Astrophysics subjects. The university offers bachelors, master's, and PhD courses in Physics with specialization in Cosmology, Molecular Physics, Biophysics, and more.

University of Delhi, Delhi

The Department of Physics & Astrophysics at the University of Delhi provides courses in Physics at both the undergraduate (BSc) and postgraduate (MSc and PhD) levels. While there is no dedicated degree programme related to Astrophysics, the Physics courses cover topics relevant to this field of study.

IIT Roorkee

The Nuclear Astrophysics Certification is an 8-week online course offered by the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, and NPTEL. It is a physics elective that aims to teach students about Nuclear Astrophysics, a cutting-edge field that explores new ways to understand the universe through observation. This field explores new ways to observe the universe, uncovering unique signatures. 

Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) is an independent institution founded by UGC. Its mission is to foster the formation and expansion of vibrant communities in Astronomy and Astrophysics across Indian universities. IUCAA strives to become a beacon of excellence within the academic realm, dedicated to education and research in these fields.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

IIT Guwahati’s Physics Department offers a BTech in Engineering Physics and an MSc programme in Physics. The department also supports a PhD programme that serves as a backbone of all research activities in the institute. The research work is also supported by post-doctoral fellows, who are selected through the IPDF programme and the national-level NPDF scheme. The department has a dedicated research group called GrAC - Gravity, Astrophysics, and Cosmology, which is essentially a gravity and astrophysics group.

Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi

Also known as the National Islamic University, JMI has a vibrant Centre for Theoretical Physics research centre which was established in 2006. Over the years, it has become a leading centre for research in India with sole dedication to research in theoretical physics. The courses offered in this department include areas of astrophysics, high energy physics,  gravitation, cosmology and quantum physics.

Also Read: Astrophysics Career Opportunities

Astrophysics colleges in India play a crucial role in educating students about Space Science and Engineering. They focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, building a culture of advanced research. Admission into these institutions typically requires a background in science along with strong academic performance. Applicants may also need to clear entrance exams and participate in interviews. These colleges serve as significant hubs for disclosing the mysteries of the universe, equipping students with the expertise to pursue careers as Astrophysicists.

Start your career in Astrophysics by enrolling in one of the best Astrophysics colleges in India using the CollegeDekho Common Application Form (CAF) . If you are unsure about your career path and have questions, don't hesitate to ask in the QnA section .

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

Typically, candidates should have a science background and finish their high school education with a focus on physics and mathematics. Certain colleges and institutions might have additional subject criteria.

Several leading astrophysics colleges in India demand that applicants pass national-level entrance exams such as GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.), CSIR-NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test), and other similar exams.

Astrophysics, also called space science, is a branch of astronomy that delves into the study of celestial objects such as stars and planets. It aims to utilize the principles of physics to understand the composition and behaviour of these cosmic entities.

Graduates who have completed their studies in Astrophysics are highly sought after by research institutes and organizations, both in India and abroad. They often find employment as Research Scientists, where they delve into theoretical work and teaching in the field of Astrophysics. These institutions provide funding and grants for research projects aligned with the graduates' areas of expertise.

The Physics Department at Punjab University stands as a renowned institution, recognized among the best Astrophysics colleges in India. Established with a vision to provide excellent education and cutting-edge research, it serves as a hotspot for aspiring Astrophysicists. Offering MSc and PhD programs, the department emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Astrophysics, equipping students to actively contribute to the field. Backed by dedicated educators and state-of-the-art facilities, Punjab University remains instrumental in advancing India's exploration of space.

Was this article helpful?

Be the first to know.

Get Access to Latest Updates

Related Questions

Schedule time of admission in sgp plz.

The Siliguri Government Polytechnic admission to various polytechnic courses is based on entrance examination. The entrance examination for regular admission to this college is the Joint Entrance Exam for Polytechnics (JEXPO), and for lateral entry admission, students need to qualify for the Vocational Lateral Entry Test (VOCLET) exam. The last date for application for JEXPO/VOCLET was May 20, 2023. The Siliguri Government Polytechnic admission process for 2023 has ended, and you need to wait for the JEXPO/VOCLET application dates in 2024.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have here. Thank you.

How is Lovely Professional University for Engineering?

Dear Student,

Lovely Professional University is a popular choice for many students for engineering courses. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 have ranked LPU 6th in the Engineering category. Moreover, the NIRF 2022 rankings placed the university at the 51st position among the engineering colleges in the country. The LPU admission is made in courses like BE, B.Tech, ME, and, M.Tech in the domain of engineering. 

Among these, the B.Tech course is the flagship course of the university and is offered in multiple specialisations like chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and, civil engineering, to name a few. For B.Tech …

I just wanna know about the admission process in gl Bajaj Noida for b tech course. I want to take admission this year in there.What is the whole process?Am i eligible or not?

To take admission to the GL Bajaj Noida B.Tech course, you must have passed class 12 with at least 45% with Physics and Maths as compulsory subjects. You must also have a valid UPCET (UPSEE)/ JEE Main exam score to secure admission.

Do you have a question? Ask us.

Typical response between 24-48 hours

Get personalized response

Free of Cost

Access to community

Similar Articles

How to become a scientist in isro, best courses after 12th science: pcm, pcb & pcmb courses list.

• List of Universities Accepting CUET 2024 Score
• PhD Admission in India 2024: Dates, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Admission Process, Top Colleges
• CUET 2024 City Intimation Slip (April 30): Release Date and Time, Download Link, List of Exam Cities
• Kerala University BSc Admission 2024 - Dates, Eligibility, Application Form, Selection Process

Recent Articles

• LNMU Part 1 Online Admission 2024: Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process, Admission
• Kerala University UG Admission 2024: Dates, Eligibility, Application Process, Allotment, Colleges
• Bihar BSc Agriculture Admission 2024: Dates, Entrance Exams, Eligibility, Application Process, Counselling Process and Top Colleges
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Bhilai: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Bhilai M.Sc Admission 2024
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Bhubaneswar: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Bhubaneswar MSc Admission
• IIT JAM Cutoff 2024 for IIT (BHU) Varanasi: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Varanasi MSc Admission
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Delhi: Check Cutoff for IIT Delhi MSc Admission 2024
• IIT JAM Biotechnology (BT) Cutoff 2024: Check Year & Category-Wise Minimum Qualifying Marks
• IIT JAM 2024 Mathematics (MA) Cutoff: Check Year & Category- Wise Minimum Qualifying Marks
• IIT JAM Chemistry Cutoff 2024: Check Year & Category-Wise Qualifying Cutoff Here
• IIT JAM Physics Cutoff 2024: Check Year & Category-Wise Qualifying Minimum Marks
• IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics Cutoff 2024: Check Year & Category-Wise Minimum Qualifying Marks
• IIT JAM Economics Cutoff 2024: Check Year & Category-Wise Minimum Qualifying Marks
• IIT JAM Geology Cutoff 2024: Check Year & Category-Wise Minimum Qualifying Marks
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Madras: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Madras MSc Admission
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Mandi: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Mandi MSc Admission
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Jammu: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Jammu MSc Admission
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Bombay: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Bombay MSc Admission
• IIT JAM 2024 Cutoff for IIT Patna: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Patna MSc Admission
• IIT JAM Cutoff 2024 for IIT Kanpur: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Kanpur MSc Admission
• IIT JAM Cutoff 2024 for IIT Hyderabad: Check Opening and Closing Ranks for IIT Hyderabad MSc Admission
• MG University UG Admission 2024: Dates, Courses, Eligibility, Application Process, Allotment
• Lucknow University UG Admission 2024: Dates (Out), Eligibility Criteria, Admission, Counselling Process
• Lucknow University BSc Admission 2024 - Dates, Application Form, Eligibility Criteria, Admission Process, Reservation Policy
• Calicut University UG Admission 2024: Dates, Eligibility, Admission and Selection Process
• Lucknow University PG Admission 2024- Dates (Out), Application Form, Eligibility, Counselling Process

Recent News

• APRJC Hall Ticket (Released) Download 2024
• GAT B Admit Card 2024 Released: Download link activated, important instructions
• APRJC Hall Ticket Expected Release Time 2024
• GAT B Admit Card Release Date and Time 2024
• CUET PG Result Link 2024 Activated: NTA releases result, list of top universities
• IIT JAM Admission Form 2024 Released: Register now for IIT M.Sc admission
• AP RCET Hall Ticket 2024 Download Link Activated
• AP RCET 2023-24 Hall Ticket Releasing Today: Check subject-wise exam schedule
• AP RCET Hall Ticket 2023-24 Release Time
• APRJC Hall Ticket Release Date 2024: Know when hall ticket download begins
• CUET PG Result 2024 likely to be released by last week of April
• CUET UG 2024 Application Form Correction Closing Today: List of details allowed to correct
• CUET PG Response Sheet 2024 Live Updates: Answer key download link, pgcuet.samarth.ac.in
• AP RCET Application Form Correction 2024 Begins: List of details allowed to edit
• CUET PG 2024 Responses with Key Releasing Today: Steps to file objections
• GAT-B 2024: Top participating institutes, scholarships
• IIT JAM CCMN Counselling Expected Start Date 2024
• IIT JAM 2024: Admission form to be released on April 10, important details
• NEST Application Form 2024 Released at nestexam.in, list of courses
• IIT JAM Scorecard 2024 Released: Counselling registration to begin on April 10
• IISER AT Application Form 2024 Released: Registration link activated, important instructions
• AP PGCET Application Form 2024 Released; Registration link activated, important dates
• CUET PG 2024 Response Sheet Expected Release Time
• CUET UG 2024 Form Correction Dates Revised: Registration last date extended
• NEST 2024 Registration Begins Today: Check eligibility criteria and fees
• CUET PG Response Sheet 2024 to be released on April 4 at pgcuet.samarth.ac.in
• NEST 2024 Application Form Revised Release Date Out: Registration to begin on March 30
• CUET UG 2024 Registration Last Date Extended: Check revised dates to fill application form
• CUET UG Application Form 2024 Closing Today: Know when form correction begins
• CUET UG Registration 2024 Last Date March 26: Subject-wise exam dates to be soon

Trending Now

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

Top 10 science colleges in india.

• Approved by: Other
• Type: Private
• Download Brochure
• Approved by: NAAC
• Type: University
• Approved by: University of Delhi, NAAC
• Approved by: UGC, NAAC, AICTE
• Type: Private UnAided
• Approved by: UGC, NAAC
• Type: Private Aided
• Type: Local Body
• Get Free Counselling
• Approved by: Other, AICTE

Popular Degrees

• B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science)
• M.Sc. (Master of Science)
• B.Sc. + M.Sc.

CollegeDekho's expert counsellors can help you with all your doubts

• Enter a Valid Name
• Enter a Valid Mobile
• Enter a Valid Email
• By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Details Saved

Your College Admissions journey has just begun !

Try our AI-powered College Finder. Feed in your preferences, let the AI match them against millions of data points & voila! you get what you are looking for, saving you hours of research & also earn rewards

For every question answered, you get a REWARD POINT that can be used as a DISCOUNT in your CAF fee. Isn’t that great?

1 Reward Point = 1 Rupee

Basis your Preference we have build your recommendation.

34 Best Medical schools in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Medicine. A graph of 922K citations received by 111K academic papers made by 34 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow State University

For Medicine

2. Moscow Medical Academy

3. Russian National Research Medical University

4. RUDN University

5. National Research University Higher School of Economics

6. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

7. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

8. Bauman Moscow State Technical University

9. N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute

10. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

11. Moscow State Pedagogical University

12. National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

13. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

14. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

15. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

16. Moscow Aviation Institute

17. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

18. Russian State Social University

19. Russian State Agricultural University

20. National Research University of Electronic Technology

21. Russian State University of Oil and Gas

22. new economic school.

23. Russian State University for the Humanities

24. Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

25. State University of Management

26. Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

27. Moscow Polytech

28. Moscow Technical University - MIREA

29. Moscow State Linguistic University

30. Moscow State Mining University

31. Moscow International University

32. Pushkin State Russian Language Institute

33. Russian State Geological Prospecting University

34. moscow state technical university of civil aviation.

Universities for Medicine near Moscow

Medicine subfields in moscow.

• Top 200 Universities in the World
• Top 200 Universities in North America
• Top 200 Universities in Latin America
• Top 200 Universities in Europe
• Top 200 Universities in Africa
• Top 200 Universities in Asia
• Top 50 Universities in Oceania
• Top 200 English-speaking Universities
• Top 200 Spanish-speaking Universities
• Top 200 Arabic-speaking Universities
• Top 200 Universities on Facebook
• Top 200 Universities on Twitter
• Top 200 Universities on Instagram
• Top 200 Universities on YouTube
• Top religiously affiliated Universities
• Universities in North America
• Universities in Latin America
• Universities in Europe
• Universities in Africa
• Universities in Asia
• Universities in Oceania
• A-Z Guide to University Programs, Courses and Degrees
• University Guides and Articles
• Universities on Facebook
• Universities on Twitter
• Universities on Instagram
• Universities on YouTube
• Universities on TikTok
• Universities on LinkedIn
• Free online courses by OEG Universities
• Higher Education-related Organizations
• Directory of University Libraries
• Religiously Affiliated Universities
• Higher Education Glossary
• A-Z list of World Universities

• 2024 Top Universities

Top Universities in Moscow

2024 moscow university ranking new -->, introduction.

What are the top Universities in Moscow? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2024 uniRank University Ranking of 66 Moscow higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

• being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate Russian higher education-related organization
• offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
• delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

uniRank aims to provide a non-academic League Table of the top Moscow Universities based on valid, unbiased and non-influenceable web metrics provided by independent web intelligence sources rather than data submitted by the Universities themselves.

2024 Moscow University Ranking

Country featured universities.

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here .

Share Moscow Rankings

Interesting? Don't forget to share these Moscow University Rankings with your friends now.

Feedback, Errors

We appreciate your feedback and error reports.

Related Russian University resources

• uniRank World Universities Search Engine Search for Russian universities, programs, courses, scholarships and more using our comprehensive search engine.
• Top Russian Universities on Facebook Curious to know which Russian universities are the most popular on Facebook? Check out the uniRank Facebook Ranking.
• Top Russian Universities on Twitter Interested in finding the most popular Russian universities on Twitter? Discover them here.
• Top Russian Universities on Instagram Wondering which Russian universities top the charts on Instagram? Find the answer here.
• Top Russian Universities on YouTube Lastly, explore the Russian universities that are most popular on YouTube. Discover them here.
• Colleges and Universities in Europe by country Looking for other universities and colleges, along with their courses, in the same continent? Find them in our comprehensive list of Colleges and Universities in Europe by country.

Since 2005, with uniRank's World Universities Search Engine and rankings, you can easily find information about Russian Universities and Colleges and explore higher education opportunities in Europe.

© uniRank since 2005

University rankings, universities by country, free online courses, universities on social media, more resources.

About | Methodology | Contact | Advertise | Terms | Privacy | Change privacy settings

©uniRank 2005-2024

Universities in Moscow, Russia - Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Moscow, Russia

• 06 Mar, 2024: Publication of Scimago Institutions Rankings . National Research University Higher School of Economics with highest ranking among universities in Moscow ranked #649.
• 19 Dec, 2023: URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance updated with Moscow State University M. V. Lomonosov ranked highest among 13 listed universities in Moscow.
• 05 Dec, 2023: British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK published most recent results of QS World University Rankings: Sustainability . Includes 8 universities from Moscow.
• 27 Oct, 2023: Latest GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking (Textile Science and Engineering) from ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. 39 universities from Moscow appear in this ranking.

Rankings of universities in Moscow, Russia 2024

Moscow State University M. V. Lomonosov

• University rankings (19)

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

• University rankings (20)

National Research University Higher School of Economics

• University rankings (17)

in Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Law, Education, Health... Study at your own pace , conveniently from home .

National Research Nuclear University MEPI

Peoples' Friendship University of Russia

Bauman Moscow State Technical University

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

• University rankings (14)

National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

• University rankings (16)

Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

• University rankings (11)

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

• University rankings (15)

National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute

• University rankings (8)

MGIMO University

• University rankings (6)

Russian National Research Medical University

• University rankings (7)

Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

• University rankings (10)

Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University)

Skolkovo Institute of Science & Technology

Russian presidential academy of national economy and public administration.

Russian State University for the Humanities

Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

• University rankings (9)

Moscow School of Economics, Lomonosov Moscow State University

• University rankings (1)

Moscow State Pedagogical University

Russian Technological University MIREA

• University rankings (12)

Russian State Agricultural University

Russian State University of Oil and Gas

Moscow Polytech

Moscow City Teachers' Training University

• University rankings (4)

Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics

• University rankings (5)

New Economic School

Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

• University rankings (2)

Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

Moscow State Regional University

Russian New University

Russian State Social University

Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

Moscow State University of Food Production

• University rankings (3)

Pushkin State Russian Language Institute

Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation

Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography

Moscow University for the Humanities

Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory

Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University

State University of Land Management

Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy

Modern University for the Humanities

Moscow International Higher Business School

Moscow State University of Design and Technology

Moscow State Linguistic University

Russian State Geological Prospecting University

Moscow State University of Technology and Management

Highest subject rankings of universities in moscow, moscow key facts for international students.

50 out of 69 Universities in Moscow Ranked in at least one ranking

24 Different Rankings list Universities in Moscow (18 institution and 6 subject rankings)

16 Global Rankings rank Universities in Moscow Among TOP 200

Population: 10382000

Time: GMT +3

District/province: Moscow,

* 100 = prices in London

• Living costs without accommodation 61* (39% cheaper than London)
• All costs including accommodation 57* (43% cheaper than London)
• Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 59* (41% cheaper than London)
• Average Big Mac price 190.39 RUB

• Residential voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz

Map with location of universities in Moscow

Useful related pages

What is the best ranked university in Moscow?

What university in moscow is listed in most university rankings, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying business, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying languages & literature, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying natural sciences, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying mathematics, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying education, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying social studies & humanities, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying engineering, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying law, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying computer science, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying medicine & health, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying agriculture, ranking publishers, british quacquarelli symonds, uk, qs world university rankings  (published: 27 june, 2023).

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

view methodology

QS Employability Rankings  (Published: 23 September, 2021)

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

QS 50 under 50  (Published: 24 June, 2020)

Based on the QS World University rankings methodology, the top 50 universities that are under 50 years old.

QS University Rankings: EECA Emerging Europe & Central Asia  (Published: 15 December, 2021)

Academic reputation 30% Employer reputation 20% Faculty/student ratio 10% Papers per faculty 10% International research network 10%

QS University Rankings BRICS  (Published: 06 May, 2019)

Academic reputation 30% Employer reputation 20% Faculty/student ratio 20% Staff with a PhD 10% Papers per faculty 10%

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability  (Published: 05 December, 2023)

Cwur center for world university rankings, cwur center for world university rankings  (published: 25 april, 2022).

Research Performance: 40%

• Research Output: 10%
• High-Quality Publications: 10%
• Influence: 10%
• Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Cwts leiden ranking  (published: 22 june, 2022).

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

NTU ranking

Ntu performance ranking of scientific papers  (published: 11 july, 2023).

Research Productivity: 25%

• # Articles last 11 years: 10%
• # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

• # Citations last 11 years: 15%
• # Citations last 2 years: 10%
• Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

• H-index last 2 years: 10%
• # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
• # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

Nature Index

Nature index - young universities  (published: 08 december, 2021), rur ranking agency (moscow, russia), rur world university rankings  (published: 25 may, 2023).

Teaching: 40%

• Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
• Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
• Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
• Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
• World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

• Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
• Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
• Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
• Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
• World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

• International Faculty: 2%
• International Students: 2%
• International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
• Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
• International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

• Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
• Institutional Income per Student: 2%
• Papers per Research Income: 2%
• Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
• Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

RUR Academic Rankings  (Published: 25 May, 2023)

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

RUR Reputation Ranking  (Published: 25 May, 2023)

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

Scimago Institutions

Scimago institutions rankings  (published: 06 march, 2024).

Research 50% Innovation 30% Societal 20%

ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Arwu academic ranking of world universities - shanghairanking  (published: 15 august, 2023).

Quality of Education 10%

• Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

• Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
• Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

• Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
• Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

THE Times Higher Education, UK

The world university rankings  (published: 27 september, 2023).

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

• Reputation survey: 15%
• Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
• Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
• Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
• Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

• Reputation survey: 18%
• Research income: 6%
• Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

• Proportion of international students: 2.5%
• Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
• International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

THE World Reputation Rankings  (Published: 27 July, 2023)

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

THE Emerging Economies University Ranking - Times Higher Education  (Published: 19 October, 2021)

Teaching 30% Research (volume, income and reputation) 30% Citations 20% International outlook (staff, students, research) 10% Industry income (knowledge transfer) 10%

THE Young University Rankings  (Published: 03 July, 2023)

Teaching 30% Research (volume, income and reputation) 30% Citations 30% International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5% Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%

THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall  (Published: 01 June, 2023)

The china subject ratings overall  (published: 11 may, 2022), urap world ranking - university ranking by academic performance  (published: 19 december, 2023), us news: best global universities  (published: 24 october, 2022), webometrics, webometrics ranking web of universities  (published: 31 july, 2023).

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%