2026 Best Value Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Our analysis ranked Princeton University the best value for a degree in astronomy & astrophysics in the Middle Atlantic Region. Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Princeton. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $10,888. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates of Princeton University earn a median of $67,532 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,888 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.

2

University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD

A rank of #2 makes University Of Maryland College Park one of the best values for astronomy & astrophysics. University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public school located in the suburb of College Park. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete the astronomy & astrophysics program here. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $57,901. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.

3

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York is a great value for students pursuing a degree in astronomy & astrophysics, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Astronomy & Astrophysics graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $86,770. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

4

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Students looking for strong value in astronomy & astrophysics will find it at Rutgers University New Brunswick, which ranked #4. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical student debt for astronomy & astrophysics graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, astronomy & astrophysics degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $58,402. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

5

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornell University earned it the #5 place for astronomy & astrophysics. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete the astronomy & astrophysics program here. Early-career astronomy & astrophysics graduates make about $75,976. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants.

6

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in astronomy & astrophysics this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 61%.