If your choice falls on this major, the next question you must answer is — what colleges offer astrophysics as a major? Due to the complex nature of this subject, some institutions might lack the necessary resources to provide these courses. And not all astrophysics programs out there are good enough to help you attain your career goals. So, the choice can be tough. Luckily, we did the hard work for you! And we're here to assist if you need to "write my college essay" on astrophysics.
To help you make the right choice, we carefully handpicked the top astrophysics degree colleges in the US. While selecting these schools, we paid special attention to such factors as:
- Academic reputation;
- Program offerings;
- Research opportunities;
- Observatory facilities;
- Faculty expertise.
Read on to learn more about every school on our list and choose the best one for you!
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT can be deservedly called the best college for astrophysics thanks to its commitment to innovation and research. The school offers students a wealth of resources and opportunities to achieve their academic objectives.
Academic Reputation: According to QS World University Rankings 2024, MIT is ranked #1, with an overall score of 100/100. This indicates the flawless academic reputation of this institution.
Program Offerings: Both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physics with a focus on astrophysics are available for students. An MIT astrophysics PhD program is included as well. Research
Opportunities: The university offers prospective students broad opportunities for astrophysics and space-related research within the school’s Physics division. Students gain access to advanced equipment and resources to create and participate in innovative projects.
Observatory Facilities: MIT supplies its research groups with a constantly growing set of facilities and instruments, both located on the ground and in space. At this moment, the primary facilities include the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), and many others. Also, the school actively partners with leading observation facilities across the world.
Faculty Expertise: The MIT faculty represents an extensive range of disciplines and expertise — both in industry and academia. The school’s professors are leaders in astrophysics, space research, and related fields, recognized with multiple honors and awards.
James J. (Jamie) Bock
Ph.D. in Physics
Winner of the Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize and holder of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
S. George Djorgovski
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Member of American Association for Advancement of Science.
Katherine R. de Kleer
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Winner of the Mary Elizabeth Uhl Prize for Outstanding Scholarly Achievement.
Yanbei Chen
Ph.D. in Physics
Winner of the Simons Foundation grant.
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California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech also takes a deserved place among top colleges with good astrophysics programs. The school is known for embracing innovations and graduating top-of-the-class researchers.
Academic Reputation: Caltech takes the 15th position in the global ranking with a score of 87.8. It’s recognized as a top-rated and prestigious school in the US and worldwide.
Program Offerings: Caltech offers students undergraduate, postgraduate, and advanced degrees with a major (or minor) in astrophysics.
Research Opportunities: Caltech has high research expectations. Over 90% of the school’s undergraduates engage in research from their first year, and the university offers numerous opportunities for this.
Observatory Facilities: Caltech boasts 50+ on-campus research centers and institutes, including 5 NASA observation facilities.
Faculty Expertise: The university boasts a large faculty of endowed and renowned professors. Caltech astrophysics professors are honorable members of recognized organizations, winners of the industry’s leading awards, and top-level academics.
James J. (Jamie) Bock
Ph.D. in Physics
Winner of the Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize and holder of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
S. George Djorgovski
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Member of American Association for Advancement of Science.
Katherine R. de Kleer
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Winner of the Mary Elizabeth Uhl Prize for Outstanding Scholarly Achievement.
Yanbei Chen
Ph.D. in Physics
Winner of the Simons Foundation grant.
Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the country’s best colleges overall. The Princeton astrophysics faculty, in particular, is a worthy choice for future students due to a number of reasons.
Academic Reputation: Princeton currently ranks #17 among the world’s schools with a score of 87. The college keeps up with all universal standards of excellence and has a solid reputation in the country and beyond.
Program Offerings: The school’s Department of Astrophysical Sciences boasts an extensive list of courses, undergraduate and graduate programs, and even postdoctoral studies.
Research Opportunities: Princeton encourages its students to actively engage in research by offering multiple research-focused fellowship opportunities and research assistantship positions. There are also many research-focused student Initiatives.
Observatory Facilities: The college empowers its students with access to a wealth of facilities and tools, including the Magellan Observatory, Clay and Baade 6.5-m telescopes, The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), and more.
Faculty Expertise: Princeton’s faculty members are broadly recognized for their research contributions and rewarded with a total of 19 Nobel Prizes and many other reputable awards.
Neta A Bahcall
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
A fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and a member of numerous NASA, NAS, NSF, and other committees.
Christopher Chyba
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Former White House Fellow within the National Security Council; has an asteroid (7923 Chyba) named in his honor.
Gaspar Bakos
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Recipient of the Newton Lacy Pierce Prize of the American Astronomical Society.
Adam Burrows
Ph.D. in Physics
Member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the NAS Space Studies Board participant.
Harvard University
Harvard University is the synonym of prestige and quality. The school is broadly known for its cutting-edge facilities, impressive research opportunities, and an exclusive student body with exceptional academic abilities.
Academic Reputation: Harvard is the 4th best school in the world, with a score of 98.3. Its reputation speaks for itself.
Program Offerings: The institution boasts a comprehensive Astronomy Department, providing both undergraduate and graduate astrophysics programs.
Research Opportunities: Harvard’s Astrophysics Center presents a vast array of opportunities spanning from our solar system to the confines of the observable cosmos.
Observatory Facilities: The school offers a broad range of facilities, including the Harvard College Observatory (HCO), the Loomis-Michael Observatory, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and more.
Faculty Expertise: The Harvard astrophysics faculty consists of world-renowned academic and industry experts recognized with numerous awards for their contributions.
Charles R. Alcock
Ph.D. in Astronomy and Physics
Recipient of the Beatrice M. Tinsley Award of the American Astronomical Society.
Edo Berger
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Winner of the Star Family Challenge for Promising Scientific Research.
David Charbonneau
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Recipient of the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal and Scientist of the Year (2007) according to the Discover Magazine.
Charlie Conroy
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Holder of the Helen B. Warner Prize from the AAS and the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship.
Stanford University
Stanford University is one of the leaders in education that embraces innovation, research, and academic excellence. Although it doesn’t have an astrophysics department, it can be a good choice for students seeking teaching in this field.
Academic Reputation: For its academic excellence and impeccable reputation, Stanford is ranked 12th in the world with a score of 89.4.
Program Offerings: The school offers BA, MA, and Ph.D. degrees within its Physics Department. It doesn’t have specific degree programs in astrophysics or astronomy. But it offers teaching and research in these disciplines and their branches.
Research Opportunities: The school has a dedicated research department focused on theoretical astrophysics and cosmology.
Observatory Facilities: The two primary facilities available to students at Stanford are the Wilcox Solar Observatory and the Student Observatory.
Faculty Expertise: Stanford’s faculty consists of recognized experts in the fields of physics, astrophysics, and related areas, who are broadly recognized for advances in their field of education.
Tom Abel
Ph.D. in Physics
Holder of the Wempe Prize and the NSF Career Award.
Vahe Petrosian
Ph.D. in Physics
Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Roger Blandford
Ph.D. and Sc.D. in Astrophysicist
Recipient of the Shaw Prize in Astronomy and a legacy member of the American Astronomical Society, most known for his work on black holes.
Andrei Linde
Ph.D. in Physics
Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a recipient of the Fundamental Physics Prize.
University of California, Berkeley
The global reputation of the University of California, Berkeley, is bolstered by its comprehensive programs, notable alumni, and remarkable research achievements. For students seeking quality education and broad research opportunities, Berkeley Astrophysics is definitely a good choice.
Academic Reputation: Based on the analysis of different academic excellence standards, Berkeley takes 7th place in the global school ranking with a score of 90.4, which indicates its excellent reputation.
Program Offerings: Students can obtain a BA, MA, or Ph.D. degree with a major or minor in astrophysics. All programs are available within the Department of Astronomy.
Research Opportunities: UC Berkeley provides its students with a plethora of research opportunities both on-campus and beyond.
Observatory Facilities: The school’s Astronomy Department is equipped with a wealth of instruments and facilities, including the Leuschner Observatory, the Rooftop Observatory, Berkeley Automated Imaging Telescopes (BAIT), and more.
Faculty Expertise: Berkeley has always been recognized for its rigorous selection of faculty among the top industry and academic talent.
Josh Bloom
Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Recipient of the Data-Driven Discovery prize from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Eugene Chiang
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Holder of the Donald Sterling Noyce Prize and the Berkeley’s Distinguished Teaching Award.
Alex Filippenko
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Creator of over 1070 research papers and a winner of the Gruber Cosmology Prize, the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, and other awards.
Raymond Jeanloz
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Holder of the Hans Bethe Award from the Federation of American Scientists.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago stands as a testament to scholarly distinction and innovation. The school is considered a world leader in the field of astrophysical research, which makes it a good choice as well.
Academic Reputation: The University of Chicago is the 11th-best school in the world, with a global score of 90.3. The college is widely known for its flawless reputation and impeccable research opportunities.
Program Offerings: There is a thorough University of Chicago astrophysics graduate program, as well as undergraduate and postdoctoral programs available to students.
Research Opportunities: UC Berkeley provides its students with a plethora of research opportunities both on-campus and beyond.
Observatory Facilities: The University of Chicago takes pride in hosting the Yerkes Observatory and being a founding member of the world’s largest telescope — the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)
Faculty Expertise: The school’s faculty represents a diverse community of intellectuals and industry experts who made tangible contributions to their fields of study.
Jacob L. Bean
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Recipient of the Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering.
John E. Carlstrom
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Legacy member of the American Astronomical Society and a winner of the Gruber Prize in Cosmology.
Daniel Fabrycky
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Member of the American Astronomical Society and a winner of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring.
Hsiao-Wen Chen
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Fellow of the American Astronomical Society.
Penn State: The Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University is less prestigious than other universities on our list. Yet, this school is known for its high-quality education and rigorous programs in astrophysics and astronomy.
Academic Reputation: Penn State has a global score of 63.1, which makes it #83 among the top colleges in the world. The school has a solid reputation and boasts outstanding student and alums bodies.
Program Offerings: Nationally, the institution’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is among the most expansive and productive. BA, MA, and Ph.D. Penn State astrophysics programs are all available.
Research Opportunities: Penn State promotes scientific research in astrophysics to contribute to the knowledge of our universe. The school is considered one of the leaders in research opportunities offered to students.
Observatory Facilities: Penn State gives students access to a broad range of observatory facilities, including the Friedman Observatory, the Mehalso Observatory, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and more.
Faculty Expertise: According to national evaluations, Penn State has the third-best professors in the US. The school’s faculty boasts top-rated experts across multiple disciplines, including astrophysics.
Jogesh Babu
Ph.D. in Statistics
Former president of the International Astrostatistics Association and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
David Burrows
Ph.D. in Physics
Leader of the instrument team on NASA’s Swift Gamma-Burst Explorer spacecraft, responsible for the X-Ray Telescope.
Howard Bond
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Winner of the Klumpke-Roberts Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
W. Niel Brandt
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Recipient of the Newton Lacy Pierce Prize in Astronomy.
Cornell University
Cornell University has long been recognized as an academic leader in the world. The institution’s Department of Astronomy, coupled with the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, ranks among the top global establishments in space science.
Academic Reputation: Cornell University has long gained a reputation as one of the best schools in the US. In the global ranking, it takes the 13th place with a score of 89.3.
Program Offerings: Students can apply for both an undergraduate and graduate Cornell University astrophysics program.
Research Opportunities: The Cornell Astronomy Department offers a huge selection of world-class research opportunities in various fields, including astrophysics, astronomy, and space science.
Observatory Facilities: The primary observatory facility at Cornell University is the famous Fuertes Observatory situated on the North Campus.
Faculty Expertise: The school boasts a very diversified faculty body with many worldwide-recognized experts and holders of prestigious awards.
Jonathan Lunine
Ph.D. in Planetary Science
Member of the US National Academy of Sciences and a Distinguished Visiting Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
James P. Lloyd
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Two-time visitor of the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and a recipient of the US Navy Antarctica Service Medal.
Nikole Lewis
Ph.D. in Planetary Astronomy and Science
Co-leader of a spectroscopic survey of the TRAPPIST-1 system.
Nicholas Battaglia
Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Lyman Spitzer Jr. Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton University.
Yale University
Yale University is a school that doesn’t require to be introduced. For decades, it has been a leader in education and research across all subject fields, including astrophysics.
Academic Reputation: Yale is a big-named school that boasts a centuries-long history. Its reputation is nearly perfect, and it takes 16th place in the global ranking with a score of 87.7.
Program Offerings: The school’s Department of Astronomy offers a full range of astrophysics degree programs. Additionally, there is a Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics — a 2-week online plus 4-week on-site enrichment and research program for high school seniors.
Research Opportunities: Yale offers its students a variety of opportunities for summer fellowships, international research fellowships, and other research activities.
Observatory Facilities: Yale University provides astronomers with a broad range of great facilities, including the W.M. Keck Observatory, the Palomar Observatory, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, etc.
Faculty Expertise: Yale takes pride in its highly qualified and recognized faculty staff.
Héctor Arce
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Fellow of the Harvard University GSAS Merit and a recipient of the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award.
Charles Bailyn
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Winner of the Bruno Rossi Prize for his contribution to the studies of black holes.
Sarbani Basu
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a recipient of the American Astronomical Society’s George Ellery Hale Prize.
Charles Baltay
Ph.D. in Physics
Recipient of the US Department of Energy (DOE) grant.
University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a good choice for students seeking high-quality and affordable education. It boasts solid degree programs with a very high acceptance rate.
Academic Reputation: Compared to other schools on our list, the University of Colorado Boulder ranks lower in global top lists with a score of 37.9. It might not be as prestigious. Yet, it’s known for its academic rigor and strong astrophysics programs.
Program Offerings: This school is one of a few in the US that combines astrophysics and planetary science in a single program. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available.
Research Opportunities: The CU-Boulder’s Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences offers many research opportunities, with research strengths in theoretical and observational astronomy, solar and space physics, planetary science, etc.
Observatory Facilities: CU-Boulder boasts a wide range of ground astronomical facilities across the world, including the ARC 3.5m at Apache Point Observatory, the CASA-Advanced Research Lab, and more.
Faculty Expertise: The school’s faculty staff consists of qualified academics with strong research backgrounds.
Mitchell Begelman
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Fellow of the Sloan Research and a holder of the American Astronomical Society Warner Prize.
Lauren Blum
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Former research astrophysicist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Zachory Berta-Thompson
Ph.D. in the Astrophysical Sciences
Recipient of the MIT Spot Awards, for Art of Astrophysics & Astrophysics Outreach.
Ben Brown
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Recipient of the Scialog Fellowship for outstanding Science Advancement.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the state’s flagship university. The school is moderately selective. Yet, it’s widely recognized for its academic rigor and strong degree programs.
Academic Reputation: While this institution might not rank among the world’s elite universities, it’s undeniably reputable. It takes a firm 64th place in the global ranking with a score of 69.1.
Program Offerings: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a major in astrophysics. According to experts, the college offers one of the most flexible programs in the country.
Research Opportunities: Urbana-Champaign encourages its students to participate in research projects and work on-campus, as well as in other universities, institutions, and agencies around the world.
Observatory Facilities: The college has its own on-campus observatory and actively partners with other space and ground-based facilities worldwide.
Faculty Expertise: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign employs experts with years of real-world experience and solid qualifications.
Brian D. Fields
Ph.D. in Physics
Multiple appearances on the list of Excellent Teachers.
Athol J Kemball
Ph.D. in Physics
Blue Waters Professor and a four-time Excellent Teacher.
Charles F. Gammie
Ph.D. in Physics
Winner of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Decker French
Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Holder of the Robert J. Trumpler Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University is a world-rank college with a high acceptance rate and high quality of education. The institution is particularly renowned for its top-tier astrophysics programs.
Academic Reputation: With a score of 51.3, Ohio State University takes 151st place in the global ranking. It might not stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ivy League institutions. Yet, it’s a high-quality college worth considering for your degree.
Program Offerings: The college allows you to obtain a Bachelor of Science, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Research Opportunities: Ohio State University offers students a wealth of research programs and work options both on campus and around the world. Additionally, the university sponsors a summer research program for undergraduates.
Observatory Facilities: OSU gives its students a number of instruments for effective research, including the OSU Planetarium, the Emerson McMillin Observatory, and more.
Faculty Expertise: OSU staff undergoes a rigorous selection process. The college employs a large team of recognized industry leaders and academics with years of expertise.
John F. Beacom
Ph.D. in Physics
Director of the Director of the Center for Cosmology and Astro-Particle Physics (CCAPP).
B. Scott Gaudi
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Winner of the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal.
Chris Hirata
Ph.D. in Physics
Most known for his contribution to the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.
Christopher Kochanek
Ph.D. in Physics
Holder of the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics and the AAS Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize.
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University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California Los Angeles is heralded as one of the premier institutions in the country, excelling in numerous disciplines, including astrophysics.
Academic Reputation: UCLA ranks 29th in the worldwide rating with a score of 83.8 and 14th in the rating of schools for studying astrophysics and physics. It is a reputable school with a rich history.
Program Offerings: The college offers you to receive a BS, MS, or Ph.D. degree, majoring in astrophysics.
Research Opportunities: UCLA’s Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics offers students a rewarding environment with endless opportunities for groundbreaking research, starting from the first year in school.
Observatory Facilities: UCLA has a long list of instruments and facilities for astrophysics students. The facilities include solar archives, a solar tower, a remote observing room, a STACEE lab, and more.
Faculty Expertise: UCLA astrophysics staff consists of award-winning scholars and industry experts.
Eric Becklin
Ph.D. in Physics
Recipient of the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship awarded by the American Astronomical Society.
Michael P. Fitzgerald
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Winner of the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize and a Michelson Postdoctoral Fellow.
Ferdinand Coroniti
Ph.D. in Physics
Best known for his “The Stability of a Stochastic Plasma with Respect to Low Frequency Perturbations” publication.
Andrea M. Ghez
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Best known for her groundbreaking research on supermassive black holes and the fourth woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics.
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park, is a good choice for students looking for strong astrophysics programs at a reputable school with a high acceptance rate.
Academic Reputation: The University of Maryland is a top-rated public school in College Park. Although it ranks 169th in the global ranking with a score of 48.9, it remains one of the top schools to consider in the US.
Program Offerings: The University of Maryland, College Park, offers students a comprehensive Astronomy & Astrophysics major program within the physical sciences department. Available programs cover both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Research Opportunities: The college’s Astronomy Department offers both observational and theoretical research opportunities. Both undergraduate and graduate students have access to a plethora of research opportunities.
Observatory Facilities: The school’s campus features a cutting-edge University of Maryland Observatory. Many other facilities and instruments are also offered.
Faculty Expertise: The college employs a large team of professors with emeritus status and award-winning industry experts.
Alberto Bolatto
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Best known for his “The CO-to-H2 Conversion Factor” work.
Benedikt Diemer
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Recipient of the Sugarman Award for Excellence in Student Research.
J. Patrick Harrington
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Member of the International Astronomical Union in the Division H Interstellar Matter and Local Universe.
Eliza Kempton
Ph.D. in Astronomy
Member of the National Academy of Sciences.
What Is the Best College for Astrophysics?
For future students, looking for good colleges for astrophysics can be a real challenge. Although plenty of US schools offer major and minor programs in this field, not all of them can offer you sufficient academic and research capacity to achieve your career goals.
When zeroing in on the perfect institution, it’s pivotal to evaluate multiple aspects, including the university’s:
- Reputation;
- Program offerings;
- Research opportunities;
- Available facilities;
- Faculty expertise;
- And many others.
Delving deep into such research independently can be daunting. Fortunately, that’s a task you can sidestep for now! With this guide, you now possess a curated list of the 15 best colleges for astrophysics in the US. Harness this knowledge to weigh your options and pinpoint the best fit for you.
If you are wondering what is the best overall school to study astrophysics, we believe that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the best option. This college offers an excellent blend of innovation, academic rigor, research opportunities, and much more. Securing a spot might pose a challenge. However, it’s undeniably a consideration that promises immense value!