Astronomy · North Dakota
Astronomy colleges in North Dakota
CampusPin lists 13 U.S. colleges in North Dakota 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 North Dakota that offer Astronomy
Dakota College at Bottineau
Bottineau, ND · Community College · Public
Tuition
$5,347
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
417
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$9,118
Acceptance
60%
Enrollment
1,169
Mayville State University
Mayville, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$7,935
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
766
Minot State University
Minot, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$8,634
Acceptance
72%
Enrollment
2,339
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$10,857
Acceptance
96%
Enrollment
9,791
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
New Town, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$3,870
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
139
Sitting Bull College
Fort Yates, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$4,010
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
260
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Ellendale, ND · University · Private
Tuition
$18,762
Acceptance
36%
Enrollment
238
United Tribes Technical College
Bismarck, ND · University · Private
Tuition
$4,252
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
532
University of Jamestown
Jamestown, ND · University · Private
Tuition
$24,820
Acceptance
94%
Enrollment
1,198
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND · University · Private
Tuition
$21,468
Acceptance
78%
Enrollment
3,424
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$10,951
Acceptance
77%
Enrollment
13,252
Valley City State University
Valley City, ND · University · Public
Tuition
$8,514
Acceptance
69%
Enrollment
1,044
Astronomy programs in North Dakota: 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
9 / 4
Universities / 2-year
12 / 1
Cities represented
12
In-state tuition range
$3,870–$24,820
Median in-state tuition
$8,634
Lowest published in-state tuition
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
$3,870
Most selective
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
36% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
University of North Dakota
13,252 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 North Dakota by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.