Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.: The DTI for this program is 71.5%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $32894) to the average debt ($23514) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 71.5%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($32894) against the typical student debt ($23514), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $32894, and with an average student debt of $23514, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.71—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 1573 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other (CIP 40.0299) is an advanced physical science field focused on studying the universe beyond Earth, from planets and stars to galaxies, dark matter, and the origins of space and time. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that do not fit neatly into a single traditional astronomy or astrophysics major. It often supports interdisciplinary, research-focused, or emerging tracks that combine physics, mathematics, computation, and observational science.
For a degree search site, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other represents curiosity at the largest possible scale. Few fields capture the imagination like the study of the cosmos, yet this degree is not just about wonder—it is deeply quantitative, analytical, and technically demanding. Students in this field learn to model complex systems, analyze massive datasets, and test physical theories against real observations of the universe. This degree appeals to students who want to push the boundaries of human knowledge while developing elite STEM skills applicable far beyond astronomy itself.
What Is an Astronomy and Astrophysics Degree?
An Astronomy and Astrophysics degree is a rigorous physical science program that applies the laws of physics and mathematics to celestial objects and cosmic phenomena. Programs under the “Other” designation often allow institutions to offer customized or interdisciplinary tracks such as:
- Computational or data-intensive astrophysics
- Planetary science or exoplanet studies
- Cosmology and early-universe research
- Instrumentation and observational methods
- Astrophysics combined with engineering or computer science
Rather than focusing only on stargazing, this degree emphasizes:
- Applying physics to real cosmic systems
- Mathematical modeling of extreme environments
- Data analysis from telescopes and space missions
- Scientific computing and simulation
- Research design and hypothesis testing
Universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for research and graduate study
- Train scientists with strong quantitative and computational skills
- Support interdisciplinary science and space-related careers
- Develop analytical thinkers for data-driven industries
This degree is especially suited for students planning advanced study or technical careers.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how the universe works at both the largest and smallest scales. You’ll study how stars are born and die, how galaxies form and evolve, how planets develop, and how fundamental forces shape cosmic structure. Much of the learning centers on translating physical laws into mathematical models and testing them against observational data.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Advanced quantitative reasoning—using calculus and linear algebra to model systems
- Physics-based problem solving—applying mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum concepts
- Scientific computing—writing code for simulations and data analysis
- Statistical analysis—working with large and noisy datasets
- Observational techniques—analyzing telescope and satellite data
- Research design—testing hypotheses with real-world data
- Technical communication—presenting complex findings clearly
- Critical and abstract thinking—reasoning under uncertainty
These skills are highly transferable to many advanced STEM careers.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by program focus, but commonly includes:
- Stellar Astrophysics: structure, evolution, and death of stars
- Galaxies and Cosmology: large-scale structure of the universe
- Planetary Science: planets, moons, and exoplanets
- Classical and Modern Physics: mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity
- Quantum and Atomic Physics: behavior of matter and radiation
- Observational Astronomy: telescopes, detectors, and data collection
- Astrophysical Data Analysis: statistics and signal processing
- Computational Astrophysics: simulations of cosmic systems
- Space Science and Instrumentation: tools for observing the universe
Many programs culminate in a senior research project or thesis.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
An Astronomy and Astrophysics degree is most commonly a pathway to graduate study, but it also prepares students for high-level technical and analytical roles. Career outcomes depend on specialization and education level.
Common career paths include:
- Astrophysicist or Astronomer: research roles (typically PhD-level)
- Data Scientist or Data Analyst: working with complex datasets
- Scientific Programmer: developing models and simulations
- Aerospace or Space Science Analyst: applied space research
- Research Assistant or Lab Scientist: supporting scientific studies
- Science Educator or Communicator: teaching or outreach roles
- Graduate or Professional School Path: physics, astronomy, engineering, or data science
Many graduates transition successfully into tech and data-focused industries due to strong quantitative training.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments that rely on advanced scientific and analytical skills:
- Universities and research institutions
- Government laboratories and observatories
- Aerospace and space technology companies
- Data science and analytics firms
- Defense and advanced research organizations
- Science museums and outreach organizations
- Technology and software companies
Astrophysics graduates are especially valued in data-intensive and modeling-heavy roles.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary significantly based on role and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level research or technical roles: often $55,000–$75,000
- Data scientists or technical analysts: commonly $80,000–$120,000
- Senior researchers or specialized scientists: can exceed $120,000+
Graduate degrees substantially increase earning potential and research opportunities.
Is This Degree Hard?
Astronomy and Astrophysics is considered one of the most mathematically and conceptually demanding STEM fields. Students must be comfortable with advanced math, abstract physics, and long problem-solving sessions. Success requires persistence, curiosity, and a tolerance for complexity and uncertainty.
The challenge lies in applying theoretical physics to phenomena that cannot be directly experimented on.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are fascinated by space and the universe
- Enjoy math, physics, and abstract problem-solving
- Like working with data, models, and simulations
- Are considering graduate school or research careers
- Want elite analytical skills applicable beyond astronomy
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for an astronomy or astrophysics program:
- Take physics, calculus, and advanced math courses
- Build strong skills in algebra, trigonometry, and problem-solving
- Learn basic programming or computational thinking
- Join science clubs, astronomy clubs, or research programs
- Read widely about space science and physics
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other (CIP 40.0299) is a degree for students who want to understand the universe at its deepest levels. It combines imagination with rigor—training graduates to think quantitatively, analyze massive datasets, and model complex systems. Whether pursuing research, technology, or data-driven careers, this degree provides a powerful foundation rooted in humanity’s oldest and most ambitious scientific questions.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor