Astronomy and Astrophysicsat Michigan State University
Graduates earn $33,373/yr in their first year — about 18.0% below the national Astronomy and Astrophysics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $424K; scenarios range from $418K to $415K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Michigan State University
Michigan State's Astronomy and Astrophysics program offers a deep dive into a highly specialized field, but your earnings potential compared to peers nationally reflects a few factors. While MSU is a strong research institution, its program might not have the same direct pipelines to major aerospace or defense contractors found in other regions. Many graduates often pursue advanced degrees, which are typically required for the listed career paths, and initial academic or research roles can have varying compensation.
The "Very High" AI risk signals that computational and data analysis tasks within astronomy are increasingly automated. To thrive, you'll need to cultivate skills beyond core astrophysics – think advanced programming, machine learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Seek out research opportunities early, connecting with faculty projects that integrate cutting-edge computational tools. This proactive approach will help you stand out in a competitive, evolving job market.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Michigan State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Astronomy and Astrophysics
How Michigan State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Michigan State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Michigan State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Astronomy and Astrophysics at Michigan State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Michigan State University?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Astronomy and Astrophysics careers?
With 52% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $418,235 in decade earnings vs $415,041 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Astronomy and Astrophysics from Michigan State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.