2026 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Our analysis ranked University Of Michigan Ann Arbor the best value for a degree in astronomy & astrophysics in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $19,137. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value astronomy & astrophysics schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Early-career astronomy & astrophysics graduates make about $57,461. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison is a great value for students pursuing a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career astronomy & astrophysics graduates make about $45,783. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.

4

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Students looking for strong value in astronomy & astrophysics will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $58,088. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Chicago earned it the #5 place for astronomy & astrophysics. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $15,854. Early-career astronomy & astrophysics graduates make about $81,002. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

6

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #6 among the best values for astronomy & astrophysics. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $25,213. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $33,373 early in their careers. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.