Astronomy · Maine
Astronomy colleges in Maine
CampusPin lists 17 U.S. colleges in Maine 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 Maine that offer Astronomy
Bates College
Lewiston, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$63,478
Acceptance
13%
Enrollment
1,753
Beal University
Bangor, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$22,373
Acceptance
55%
Enrollment
511
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$64,910
Acceptance
8%
Enrollment
1,846
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME · Community College · Public
Tuition
$3,864
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
2,828
College of the Atlantic
Bar Harbor, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$46,179
Acceptance
65%
Enrollment
365
Husson University
Bangor, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$22,194
Acceptance
86%
Enrollment
3,003
Maine Media College
Rockport, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$22,373
Acceptance
53%
Enrollment
24
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$42,834
Acceptance
82%
Enrollment
1,334
Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, ME · Community College · Public
Tuition
$3,797
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
5,279
Thomas College
Waterville, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$30,896
Acceptance
97%
Enrollment
776
Unity Environmental University
New Gloucester, ME · University · Private
Tuition
$11,280
Acceptance
82%
Enrollment
6,323
University of Maine
Orono, ME · University · Public
Tuition
$12,640
Acceptance
96%
Enrollment
10,834
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, ME · University · Public
Tuition
$8,618
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
2,832
University of Maine at Farmington
Farmington, ME · University · Public
Tuition
$10,989
Acceptance
98%
Enrollment
1,476
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Fort Kent, ME · University · Public
Tuition
$9,045
Acceptance
99%
Enrollment
687
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Presque Isle, ME · University · Public
Tuition
$8,990
Acceptance
97%
Enrollment
1,397
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME · University · Public
Tuition
$10,920
Acceptance
79%
Enrollment
6,253
Astronomy programs in Maine: by the numbers
A quick comparison of the 17 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.
Schools listed
17
Public / private
8 / 9
Universities / 2-year
15 / 2
Cities represented
16
In-state tuition range
$3,797–$64,910
Median in-state tuition
$12,640
Lowest published in-state tuition
Southern Maine Community College
$3,797
Most selective
Bowdoin College
8% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
University of Maine
10,834 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 17+ Astronomy programs in Maine by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.