Astronomy · District of Columbia
Astronomy colleges in District of Columbia
CampusPin lists 13 U.S. colleges in District of Columbia that offer Astronomy programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.
Astronomy studies the physics of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe, suiting students who pair strong math and physics with observational and computational analysis.
Schools in District of Columbia that offer Astronomy
American University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$56,543
Acceptance
47%
Enrollment
12,795
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$18,382
Acceptance
61%
Enrollment
1,324
George Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$64,990
Acceptance
44%
Enrollment
25,029
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$65,081
Acceptance
13%
Enrollment
19,886
Howard University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$33,344
Acceptance
35%
Enrollment
12,830
Institute of World Politics
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
65%
Enrollment
8,568
Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
53%
Enrollment
6,966
Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
75%
Enrollment
7,082
Strayer University-Global Region
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$13,920
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
12,776
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$55,834
Acceptance
84%
Enrollment
5,095
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$26,110
Acceptance
99%
Enrollment
1,417
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · University · Public
Tuition
$6,152
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
3,638
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$6,660
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
593
Astronomy programs in District of Columbia: by the numbers
A quick comparison of the 13 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.
Schools listed
13
Public / private
1 / 12
Universities / 2-year
13 / 0
Cities represented
1
In-state tuition range
$6,152–$65,081
Median in-state tuition
$30,953
Lowest published in-state tuition
University of the District of Columbia
$6,152
Most selective
Georgetown University
13% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
George Washington University
25,029 students
Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.
What you'll study in a Astronomy program
- Physics core: classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics
- Stellar structure, formation, and evolution
- Planetary science and the formation of solar systems
- Galactic and extragalactic astronomy
- Cosmology and the large-scale structure of the universe
- Observational techniques: telescopes, detectors, spectroscopy, and photometry
- Astronomical data reduction and computational analysis (Python, statistics)
- Senior research project or thesis
Where a Astronomy degree can lead
- Astronomers (PhD)
- Astrophysicist / Research Scientist (PhD)
- Data Scientist
- Aerospace or Instrumentation Engineer (with engineering degree)
- Software Engineer
- Planetarium Educator or Science Communicator
Typical pay: BLS, 2024 astronomers median $132,170 (occupation-wide across all experience levels; research roles typically require a doctoral degree)
An Astronomy major is usually a bachelor's degree built on a physics core, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics, alongside calculus through differential equations and linear algebra. Astronomy-specific coursework covers stellar structure and evolution, planetary science, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and observational methods, including telescope use, detectors, spectroscopy, and data reduction. Many programs are offered as Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a Physics degree with an astronomy concentration, and most BS tracks require a senior research project.
Because of the heavy physics and computing content, graduates are well prepared for quantitative work in software, data science, engineering, instrumentation, and education, as well as graduate study. Research positions in astronomy, the path most associated with the title "astronomer," typically require a doctoral degree, and many graduates pursue a PhD before working at universities, observatories, or national laboratories.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $132,170 for astronomers and projects 2.2% employment growth for the occupation. Because the field is small, openings are limited and competition for research roles is high.
Astronomy in other states
Find more Astronomy schools
Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 13+ Astronomy programs in District of Columbia by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.