Overview

The Astronomy programme at Columbia University provides students with a quantitative and coherent understanding of the universe, ranging from planetary systems to distant galaxies. This curriculum is designed to balance a solid grounding in physical sciences with the flexibility of a liberal arts education. Students engage with the oldest of sciences through modern research methodologies and advanced mathematical modelling.

Why Astronomy at Columbia University?

Students benefit from a vibrant research environment located in the historic Pupin Laboratories. The department offers unique opportunities for undergraduate involvement, including access to telescope facilities at the Harriman Observatory and on-campus rooftop installations. The programme is distinguished by its integration with the broader scientific community, offering fellowships such as the Bell-Burnell for summer research. Furthermore, the department maintains strong links with the Hayden Planetarium, providing students with insights from world-class adjunct faculty and researchers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on building a professional level of expertise in astrophysics and observational techniques. Modules may include:

Astrophysics
Planetary Dynamics and Physics of the Solar System
Astrostatistics
High Energy Astrophysics
Observational Astronomy
Galaxies
Exoplanets and Astrobiology
Physical Cosmology
Modeling the Universe

Careers with Astronomy

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of trajectories, most notably continuing their education in graduate programmes for astrophysics or related sciences. The analytical and quantitative skills developed during the degree are highly transferable to industries such as data science, education, and aerospace. Many students pursue roles in research institutions, observatories, or combine their astronomical knowledge with fields like chemistry and geology to enter specialised environmental or technical sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Stars and Atoms

Modern Stellar Astrophysics

Extrasolar Planets and Astrobiology

Observational Astronomy

Galaxies

Earth, Moon and Planets

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences View 250 other Bachelors in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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