College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
Back to Search
General

Astronomy And Astrophysics

Share

Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Astronomy And Astrophysics.

Entry Level Salary
$30,000
Median Salary
$115,759
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
16.4%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,630,360
Entry (Early)
$30,000
Median (Prime)
$115,759
High (Prime)
$125,098

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-187k
+534k
+608k
$25k / yr
-277k
+444k
+518k
$50k / yr
-367k
+354k
+428k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
24
24
$25k / yr
Never
27
27
$50k / yr
Never
31
29

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-255%
408%
477%
$50k / yr
-169%
163%
197%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate55.6%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Postsecondary teachers

9.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$48,233|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Physical scientists, all other

7.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,734
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Software developers

6.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$107,184
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$157,495|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Management occupations

4.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$188,846|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Astronomers and physicists

4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$44,984
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$78,244|$166,880
openings
1,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%

Mathematical science occupations

3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,977
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$130,000|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%

Elementary and middle school teachers

2.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$34,299
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Teaching assistants

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$27,868
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,881|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Secondary school teachers

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$56,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,563|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

Engineers, All Other

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,759|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
astronomy and astrophysics.Bachelor's Degree77$65,987 - $90,943
astronomy and astrophysics.Master's Degree25Data N/A
astronomy and astrophysics.Doctoral Degree35Data N/A