Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA: Top Universities & Programs

A bachelor's degree in Astrophysics from the USA is gaining global attention as more students look to the U.S. Over 1.12 million international students enrolled in U.S. colleges, holding a 16% share of the global study abroad market. At the University of Maryland, 14% of undergrads join global programs in 300+ destinations.

A Bachelor’s in Astrophysics from the Best universities in the USA opens doors to careers in research, aerospace, and data science. At the University of Maryland, 94% of graduates secured jobs or graduate school within six months. When you study in the USA, you have access to NASA internships and astrophysics research.

Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA: Overview

A Bachelor’s in Astrophysics is a 4-year STEM degree that combines advanced coursework in physics, mathematics, and astronomy with hands-on research training. According to the Open Doors  Report, over 39.4% of students enrolled in STEM fields, highlighting a growing global interest in science education.

To help you understand the essentials at a glance, here's a detailed breakdown of program features:

Let’s explore why earning a Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the USA is a compelling choice for aspiring scientists and space enthusiasts alike.

Why Pursue a Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA?

A Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the U.S. combines academic excellence with top-tier research opportunities and expert faculty. Over 60% of bachelor's degree holders in Astrophysics engage in research during their studies. NASA invests over USD  500 million (INR 4,175 Cr) annually in university partnerships, enhancing student access to practical space science projects.

Let’s look at what makes studying astrophysics in the U.S. a standout choice:

• Access to top telescopes and observatories, such as the Keck Observatory, McDonald Observatory, and Palomar, is integrated into undergraduate learning.
  Internships with NASA & Research Labs, such as JPL, NOIRLab, and the National Science Foundation.
• High-impact Faculty: Learn from professors actively working on projects like dark matter research, galaxy evolution, and exoplanet discovery.
• Hands-on Data Analysis Skills using real NASA, Hubble, and JWST datasets in undergrad classes at universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley.
• Strong Grad School & Placement Rates – many graduates pursue PhDs at top institutions or enter aerospace, data science, or academia.
• Collaborative Research Ecosystem across departments like physics, computer science, and engineering.
• STEM OPT Extension: International students can work in the U.S. for up to 3 years post-graduation under this program.

Now that you know why studying astrophysics in the U.S. is so rewarding, let’s explore the top universities offering world-class undergraduate programs in this field.

Top Universities For Studying Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA

The best U.S. public universities offer elite Bachelor’s programs in astrophysics that blend physics, astronomy, and computational science. Stanford alone invests over USD 2.2 billion (INR 18,370 Cr) annually in sponsored research, including projects in astrophysics and at SLAC. 

Ohio Northern University offers a 120-credit B.S. in Astronomy program that focuses on preparing students for careers and graduate school. Here are some prominent universities offering astrophysics-related undergraduate programs. 

If you’re aiming to study astrophysics at a university known for academic excellence and research, here are some of the most sought-after institutions in the U.S. offering strong undergraduate programs in this field.

Popular Universities Offering Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA

U.S. universities are at the forefront of astrophysics education, with the University of Washington alone enrolling over 8,000 students annually in research-based courses. UW graduates around 38 astronomy majors each year and partners with initiatives like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. 

Below is a side-by-side comparison of top U.S. universities offering bachelor's level astrophysics or related programs:

Let’s now explore the eligibility criteria you must meet to apply for a Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA

A Bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics from a U.S. university requires strong academic performance, and over 85% of students in top STEM programs in the USA have a GPA above 3.8. Approximately 95% of universities require English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL or IELTS band score. Applicants also need strong SOPs, LORs, and financial proof for the F-1 visa.

Here’s a complete breakdown of eligibility requirements, including academic, test, and visa-related criteria:c

Let’s now walk through the step-by-step application process to pursue a Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the USA.

Application Process for Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA

Applying for a top university for a Bachelor's in Astrophysics abroad involves several steps that vary slightly by institution. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate acceptance rate at U.S. universities is around 66%. However, it’s much lower at elite schools; Princeton University admitted only 5.82% of applicants. 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the application process:

• Step 1: Submit University Admission Application
  Apply through the university’s portal or platforms, such as the Common App. Ensure you select Astrophysics or a related major, such as Astronomy or Physics.
• Step 2: Submit Additional Documents if Required
  These typically include academic transcripts, standardized test scores, English proficiency results, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and a resume.
• Step 3: Attend the interview
  Some competitive programs may require interviews, particularly for scholarship consideration or honors programs.
• Step 4: Check the Application Status
  Track your application through the university portal. Notifications about missing documents or updates are typically shared here.
• Step 5: Apply for Student Visa (F-1)
  Once accepted, use your Form I-20 to apply for the F-1 student visa, complete the DS-160 form, pay the SEVIS fee, and schedule a visa interview.

Let’s take a closer look at the typical curriculum structure you can expect while pursuing a Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the USA.

Curriculum Details for Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA

A Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the U.S. blends coursework in physics, astronomy, and mathematics with hands-on experience. 

Most programs require 120–128 credit hours and span four years. According to the University of Michigan and Harvard, students typically spend 25–40% of their coursework on research, internships, or independent study projects.

Here's how the typical course structure, subject areas, and specialization options are organized across Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the U.S

Let’s explore the overall cost of pursuing a Bachelor's in Astrophysics in the USA, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential costs.

Cost of Pursuing a Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA

A Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the USA involves both academic and living expenses; the total cost of studying in the USA can be significant, especially for international students.  The average annual tuition for international students at U.S. public universities ranges from USD 26,000 to USD 35,000 (INR 21.71 L – 29.23 L).

To help you plan financially, here’s a breakdown of the typical monthly cost for studying in the USA for Indian students:

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate

Guiding the financial side of studying in the U.S. can be challenging, but numerous scholarships are available specifically for international students pursuing astrophysics.

Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA: Scholarships for Students

Securing scholarships can significantly alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, especially in STEM-related fields such as astrophysics. In the U.S., over 1.7 million scholarships were awarded, totalling USD 14.8 billion (INR 12,358 Cr), with STEM students receiving 17% of them, which is higher than the 12.1% share for non-STEM majors. 

On average, scholarships cover 29% of college costs, and the typical undergraduate award is around USD 7,400 (INR 6.18 L).

Let's explore the scholarship options for Indian students to study in the USA:

Internal Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer internal scholarships to support students pursuing astrophysics. According to Caltech, the average grant award is nearly USD 73,000 (INR 60.96 L) per student (2024–25). At the University of Michigan, physics majors are eligible for merit-based fellowships and research funding. Nationally, 17% of STEM undergraduates receive institutional aid.

Here are selective study abroad scholarships offered by top U.S. astrophysics universities:

Let’s now explore some prestigious external scholarships that support international and domestic students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the USA.

External Scholarships

External scholarships, offered by national foundations and government programs, are essential for astrophysics undergraduates to reduce the living expenses in the USA. 

Prestigious awards like the Barry Goldwater Scholarship support up to 400 students annually, offering up to USD 7,500 (INR 6.26 L) per year toward research and study in science fields.

The table below lists the fully funded scholarships in the United States for international students.

After getting a scholarship to study abroad at top universities, it’s essential to understand the diverse career paths available. Here’s a look at the top job opportunities after earning a Bachelor’s in Astrophysics in the USA.

Job Opportunities After a Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA

Astrophysics graduates from U.S. universities enjoy diverse and well-compensated career paths in the most in-demand jobs in the USA. The average annual salary for astrophysicists is USD 144,555 (INR 1.21 Cr), with total compensation around USD 222,867 (INR 1.86 Cr). 

Here’s a comparison of career options after graduation, job roles, and their average salaries:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Leading organizations across various sectors recruit graduates and offer part-time job opportunities in the USA with a Bachelor’s in Astrophysics U.S. Below is a list of top employers known for hiring astrophysics graduates.

Top Recruiters

Astrophysics graduates from U.S. universities often enter a range of high-paying jobs in the United States. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for physicists and astronomers were USD 166,290 and USD 132,170 (INR 1.39 Cr and INR 1.10 Cr), respectively, as of May 2024, with a projected 7% job growth through 2033.

Here are some of the employers for astrophysics bachelor's graduates, along with typical roles and salary ranges:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

If you're planning to pursue a Bachelor's in Astrophysics in the USA, here's how upGrad can ease your admission journey and academic planning.

How can upGrad Help You Study a Bachelor's in Astrophysics USA?

Studying for a Bachelor's in Astrophysics in the United States is a rewarding yet competitive journey that involves technical admissions, visa processes, and academic prerequisites across top-tier universities. upGrad makes this path easier by offering comprehensive, end-to-end guidance tailored to aspiring astrophysics students.

With upGrad, you gain access to personalized mentorship at every stage, from selecting the right astrophysics programs and universities to crafting compelling applications. It includes Statements of Purpose (SOPs), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and IELTS/TOEFL preparation. 

Start today by booking a 1:1 session with an upGrad expert and take the next step toward your astrophysics degree in the USA.