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Cheapest Astronomy and Astrophysics Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Swarthmore College delivers the most affordable Astronomy and Astrophysics education in Pennsylvania at just $18,686 net cost, despite its $62,412 sticker price and 6.93% acceptance rate. The state's nine programs range from this bargain to $44,876 at Villanova, creating a $26,190 cost spread. Pennsylvania's space industry connections through companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin provide solid career pathways for graduates entering fields from satellite technology to defense contracting.
9
Programs
$18,686 – $44,876
Net Price Range
85.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Astronomy and Astrophysics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
2 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
3 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
4 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
5 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
6 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
7 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
8 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
9 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore's astronomy program such a financial bargain compared to other elite schools?

Swarthmore's generous financial aid reduces costs to $18,686 for the average student, while comparable schools like Haverford and Carnegie Mellon charge $25,210 and $31,671 respectively. The college's 94.10% graduation rate and highly selective 6.93% acceptance rate indicate strong academic outcomes despite the lower net price.

How do public versus private astronomy programs compare for cost in Pennsylvania?

The University of Pittsburgh stands as the sole public option at $30,074 net cost, falling in the middle range of Pennsylvania's astronomy programs. Eight private colleges dominate the field, with net costs ranging from Swarthmore's $18,686 to Villanova's $44,876.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program affordability in Pennsylvania astronomy schools?

The most selective schools actually offer the best deals, with 6.93% acceptance Swarthmore at $18,686 and 14.21% acceptance Haverford at $25,210. Meanwhile, easier-admit Lycoming College charges $19,258 with a 75.22% acceptance rate, breaking the typical price-selectivity pattern.

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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.