7 Astronomy and Astrophysics Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California
|
$12,882 | $7,424 | 50.1% | 94.2% |
| 2 |
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
|
$14,013 | $13,747 | 92.7% | 8.6% |
| 3 |
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, California
|
$14,979 | $14,850 | 92.9% | 11.3% |
| 4 |
San Diego State University
San Diego, California
|
$16,174 | $8,290 | 78.3% | 39.3% |
| 5 |
University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
|
$16,607 | $14,560 | 74.5% | 46.9% |
| 6 |
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
|
$18,902 | $63,255 | 93.2% | 2.7% |
| 7 |
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
|
$31,927 | $68,237 | 92.0% | 12.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes UC Berkeley's astronomy program cost-effective despite its research reputation?
UC Berkeley offers strong value with a net cost of $14,979 and maintains a 92.90 percent graduation rate. Early career earnings for graduates average $36,848, while student debt remains manageable at $19,500.
How do acceptance rates vary among California's affordable astronomy programs?
Acceptance rates span dramatically from Caltech's ultra-selective 2.69 percent to San Francisco State's accessible 94.20 percent. UC Berkeley and UCLA maintain competitive rates at 11.33 percent and 8.57 percent respectively, reflecting their research strength.
Does attending a private astronomy program in California significantly increase costs?
Private options jump substantially, with USC costing $31,927 net compared to public alternatives under $17,000. However, Caltech's $18,902 net cost remains competitive with public universities due to generous financial aid.
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.