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Astronomy and Astrophysics at The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,404/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (52% exposed)
Job Market Medium (12,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (2.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 6 Astronomy and Astrophysics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $383K $396K $398K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.5x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.2x 2.3x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (2.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,712
-69% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $29,404 per year, Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates from The University of Texas at Austin earn below the $40,590 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 8.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Astronomy and Astrophysics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Astronomy and Astrophysics is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. The University of Texas at Austin's #6 ranking should be read in that context.

About The University of Texas at Austin

A 29% acceptance rate puts The University of Texas at Austin in competitive admissions territory, one of the larger campuses at 42,100 students in Austin, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr
Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Astronomers $132,170/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 6 schools offering Astronomy and Astrophysics →

Astronomy and Astrophysics at Other Schools

University of California-Berkeley ($54,746) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($45,783) University of Colorado Boulder ($45,066) University of California-Santa Cruz ($35,171) Michigan State University ($33,373)

Other Majors at The University of Texas at Austin

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($111,587) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,997) Business/Commerce, General ($94,041) Chemical Engineering ($87,365) Petroleum Engineering ($86,761) Management Information Systems and Services ($86,622) Mechanical Engineering ($82,227) Finance and Financial Management Services ($81,844)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Astronomy and Astrophysics at The University of Texas at Austin?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Astronomy and Astrophysics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Astronomy and Astrophysics at The University of Texas at Austin?
The 52% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is The University of Texas at Austin a good choice for Astronomy and Astrophysics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at Austin's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →