Astronomy · Hawaii
Astronomy colleges in Hawaii
CampusPin lists 7 U.S. colleges in Hawaii 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 Hawaii that offer Astronomy
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Laie, HI · University · Private
Tuition
$6,438
Acceptance
38%
Enrollment
2,812
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI · University · Private
Tuition
$29,970
Acceptance
93%
Enrollment
2,486
Hawaii Community College
Hilo, HI · Community College · Public
Tuition
$3,204
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
1,470
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI · University · Private
Tuition
$33,020
Acceptance
84%
Enrollment
3,436
Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Med
Honolulu, HI · University · Private
Tuition
$10,530
Acceptance
85%
Enrollment
7,682
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI · University · Public
Tuition
$7,838
Acceptance
90%
Enrollment
2,617
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI · University · Public
Tuition
$12,186
Acceptance
70%
Enrollment
18,986
Astronomy programs in Hawaii: by the numbers
A quick comparison of the 7 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.
Schools listed
7
Public / private
3 / 4
Universities / 2-year
6 / 1
Cities represented
3
In-state tuition range
$3,204–$33,020
Median in-state tuition
$10,530
Lowest published in-state tuition
Hawaii Community College
$3,204
Most selective
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
38% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
University of Hawaii at Manoa
18,986 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 7+ Astronomy programs in Hawaii by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.