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Arizona program rankings

Best Space Studies Programs in Arizona (2027)

Compare the best space studies programs in Arizona across 15 degree records and 5 institutions. Each program is scored within its own field and degree-level peer group, then reviewed through either matched school material or its federal record.

Data updated October 9, 2026 · Edited by Taylor Rupe

15program records
5institutions
412awards recorded
5cities

State program ranking

Best Space Studies Programs in Arizona, Ranked

The rank follows each program’s national peer score. Program cards lead with record-specific editorial. School-page claims link to the matching official source, while federal field, award, cost, and outcome records stay clearly labeled. The full scoring boundary is in the methodology.

Rank #1 Score 73.1

ASU Online

Bachelor’s in Astronomical and Planetary Sciences (Astrophysics)

space studies programs in Arizona · Scottsdale · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0203

View ASU Online’s Bachelor’s in Astronomical and Planetary Sciences (Astrophysics)

Program summary

ASU Online's planetary sciences degree combines cosmology, galaxies, and exoplanets with internships and telescope work, backed by 26 awards.

Astronomical and Planetary Sciences (Astrophysics) covers astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, galaxies, and exoplanets through ASU Online.

The online curriculum couples substantial mathematics and physics with astronomy and planetary-science topics, engineering methods, and computational tools used in research. Students analyze space-telescope images, examine exoplanets and cosmology, and study early stars, giving the remote format concrete data-centered work rather than lecture topics alone.

The source identifies internships and telescope-based work. Federal data records 26 awards and ranks the entry 3 of 5 at the 73.1 peer median, while in-state tuition is $11,478.

Published program details
  • Cosmology and galaxies
  • Planetary science
  • Published exoplanets
  • Internships and telescope work
  • 26 planetary science awards
Institution context
Tuition
$11,478 in-state / $13,776 out-of-state
Admission rate
67%
Enrollment
72,994

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: degrees.asu.edu.

Rank #2 Score 68.6

University of Arizona

Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Tucson · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

View University of Arizona’s Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Program summary

Arizona’s Astronomy BS uses mathematics, physics, astrophysics, observation, instrumentation, and computation to prepare students for graduate study or technical work.

The intensive major includes guided research, quantitative data work, telescope methods, observational astronomy, quantum theory, and galactic and extragalactic astrophysics.

Guided research sits inside a quantitatively demanding plan that reaches quantum theory, computational methods, telescope techniques, and galactic and extragalactic astrophysics. You learn to collect and analyze astronomical evidence, so the major goes beyond a broad survey and prepares you to study celestial systems through observation, calculation, and independent inquiry.

With 21 bachelor’s awards and a 68.6 score, this path fits students seeking a research-oriented foundation in astronomy and planetary science.

Published program details
  • Guided astronomy research
  • Observational techniques
  • Computational methods
  • Quantum theory
  • Galactic astrophysics
Institution context
Tuition
$11,835 in-state / $38,165 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
86%
Enrollment
56,365

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: arizona.edu.

Rank #3 Score 68.2

University of Arizona

Astronomy and Astrophysics Doctorate

Tucson · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0203

View University of Arizona’s Astronomy and Astrophysics Doctorate

Program summary

Arizona’s planetary-science federal record maps to its Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD, which emphasizes original and independent investigation.

Students develop theoretical, observational, and instrumentational astronomy skills while working with program advisers, faculty researchers, astrophysics tools, and research facilities.

This federal planetary-science row maps to the same astronomy and astrophysics doctorate, where students build independent research with a faculty adviser. The source emphasizes theoretical, observational, and instrumentational methods, so a planetary project can move from modeling or direct measurement into analysis or instrument development within Arizona’s active research facilities.

A 68.2 score, five research doctorates, and 5-of-7 peer position fit planetary-science candidates seeking an investigation-centered doctoral route in Tucson.

Published program details
  • Original research program
  • Independent scientific research
  • Faculty adviser mentoring
  • Astrophysics facilities
  • Instrumentational astronomy
Institution context
Tuition
$11,835 in-state / $38,165 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
86%
Enrollment
56,365

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: arizona.edu.

Rank #4 Score 67.9

Arizona State University

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)

space studies programs in Arizona · Tempe · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

View Arizona State University’s Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)

Program summary

ASU’s Astronautics BSE culminates in a two-semester spacecraft design project after study in orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, structures, and telecommunications.

The ABET-accredited curriculum also covers attitude determination and control, gas dynamics, space environment, experimentation, engineering teamwork, and professional judgment in design.

Spacecraft work extends beyond propulsion and orbit analysis into attitude determination, communications, the space environment, and systems integration. The consecutive capstone sequence asks teams to turn that mix into a designed space system, while experimentation and internships offer separate ways to test classroom decisions against practical engineering work throughout the undergraduate program.

Its 67.9 score and 109 bachelor’s awards fit students committed to spacecraft systems and a consecutive-semester capstone experience in Tempe.

Published program details
  • ABET-accredited BSE
  • Two-semester capstone
  • Rocket propulsion
  • Spacecraft attitude control
  • Space telecommunications
Institution context
Tuition
$11,478 in-state / $32,394 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
90%
Enrollment
79,818

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: degrees.asu.edu.

Rank #5 Score 66.9

University of Arizona

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Tucson · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

View University of Arizona’s Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Program summary

Arizona’s Aerospace Engineering MS offers thesis, non-thesis, and report tracks alongside supersonic wind tunnels, instrumentation laboratories, and machine shops.

The 32-unit program connects aeronautics and space technology with fluid mechanics, renewable energy, solid mechanics, commercial design projects, and internships.

Students choose among thesis, report, and coursework-focused culminating routes. Supersonic wind tunnels, instrumentation laboratories, commercial design projects, and internships provide several ways to pair the technical plan with applied work, making the endpoint and research intensity a decision you can match to your professional or doctoral goals after enrollment.

Eleven master’s awards and a 66.9 score suit engineers who value a choice of culminating track and access to experimental facilities.

Published program details
  • 32 minimum units
  • Three culminating tracks
  • Supersonic wind tunnels
  • Instrumentation laboratories
  • Commercial design projects
Institution context
Tuition
$11,835 in-state / $38,165 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
86%
Enrollment
56,365

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: arizona.edu.

Rank #6 Score 66.5

University of Arizona

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Tucson · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

View University of Arizona’s Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Program summary

Arizona’s Aerospace Engineering BS combines spacecraft and aircraft design with aerodynamics, controls, gas dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and an industry-sponsored capstone.

Students study orbital mechanics and programming, complete sponsored design work, and can test materials in wind tunnels operating at Mach 4 and Mach 5.

The industry-sponsored capstone carries orbital mechanics and vehicle design into a team project with an external problem context. On campus, high-speed tunnels support hypersonic testing and let students connect programming and fluid mechanics with measured material and flow behavior. Fast-flight design therefore has both a computational and experimental setting.

A 66.5 score and 56 bachelor’s awards fit students who want vehicle design paired with laboratory exposure to hypersonic flow.

Published program details
  • Industry-sponsored capstone
  • Mach 4 and 5 tunnels
  • Orbital mechanics
  • Aircraft and spacecraft design
  • Hypersonic testing
Institution context
Tuition
$11,835 in-state / $38,165 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
86%
Enrollment
56,365

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: arizona.edu.

Rank #7 Score 65.5

University of Arizona

Astronomy and Astrophysics Doctorate

space studies programs in Arizona · Tucson · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

View University of Arizona’s Astronomy and Astrophysics Doctorate

Program summary

Arizona’s Astronomy and Astrophysics doctorate trains independent researchers across theoretical, observational, and instrumentational astronomy with faculty and adviser mentoring.

The doctoral program emphasizes original research, firsthand use of astrophysics tools and facilities, scientific investigation, experimentation, communication, and adviser-guided work.

Doctoral preparation at Arizona also covers scientific investigation, experimentation, and communication as well as astronomy theory. Faculty guidance and astrophysics facilities let you develop an original question through observation, instrumentation, or computation, then turn the results into the independent scholarly contribution expected from Arizona’s astronomy and astrophysics doctorate.

Its 65.5 score and 11 recorded doctorates fit candidates seeking preparation that integrates theory, observation, instrumentation, and scholarly contribution in doctoral study.

Published program details
  • Original doctoral research
  • Original research emphasis
  • Theoretical astronomy
  • Observational astronomy
  • Instrumentation experience
Institution context
Tuition
$11,835 in-state / $38,165 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
86%
Enrollment
56,365

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: arizona.edu.

Rank #8 Score 64.5

University of Arizona

Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering

Tucson · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

View University of Arizona’s Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering

Program summary

Arizona’s Aerospace Engineering doctorate offers three entry paths and research in aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, spacecraft technology, solids, and advanced thermodynamics.

The research-intensive, 57-unit route includes spacecraft estimation, deformable-solid mechanics, thermodynamics, and finite-element methods across its technical options for doctoral study.

Applicants can enter from a bachelor’s degree, an accelerated master’s route, or prior graduate work, so the published plan accommodates different starting points. Spacecraft estimation, deformable solids, thermodynamics, fluids, and finite-element methods create a technical base for computational or experimentally grounded work as the doctorate narrows toward an original research problem.

Five recorded doctorates and a 64.5 score fit applicants prepared to enter through a bachelor’s, accelerated master’s, or prior graduate pathway.

Published program details
  • 57 minimum units
  • Three entry pathways
  • Spacecraft estimation
  • Fluid dynamics research
  • Finite-element methods
Institution context
Tuition
$11,835 in-state / $38,165 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
86%
Enrollment
56,365

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: arizona.edu.

Rank #9 Score 64.4

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Program field from IPEDS

Prescott · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0201

View Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott’s Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Program summary

Embry-Riddle Prescott’s Astronomy BS blends observation, physics, data analysis, telescope imaging, stellar evolution, planetary motion, and galactic structure.

The department emphasizes hands-on research from classrooms to observatory facilities, including cosmic-phenomena analysis, optical-system testing, and faculty collaboration at Prescott.

Telescope imaging and optical-system testing give the program two complementary forms of hands-on work: collecting astronomical data and checking the instruments that produce it. Undergraduate research can then connect those techniques with stellar evolution, galactic structure, plasma physics, or spacecraft-related questions while using the observatory facilities available on the Prescott campus.

Six bachelor’s awards and a 64.4 score fit students seeking applied astronomy work tied to aerospace, technology, and advanced study.

Published program details
  • Telescope imaging
  • Undergraduate research
  • Optical-system testing
  • Stellar evolution
  • Galactic structure
Institution context
Tuition
$42,408
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
77%
Enrollment
3,264

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: erau.edu.

Rank #10 Score 64.2

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Program field from IPEDS

space studies programs in Arizona · Prescott · Private nonprofit · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

View Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott’s Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Program summary

Embry-Riddle Prescott’s aerospace bachelor’s offering combines aeronautical or astronautical specialization with propulsion, structures, controls, laboratories, and design projects.

Students work with wind tunnels, propulsion laboratories, and design facilities while faculty research covers aerodynamics, flight testing, and spacecraft systems.

Students choose aeronautical or astronautical specialization while using wind tunnels, propulsion laboratories, and flight-testing resources. That choice changes the vehicle context, but both routes keep aerodynamics, propulsion, and design close to physical testing, giving undergraduates a way to see how a modeled system behaves in practice during project work at Prescott.

The 64.2 score and 149 recorded awards fit undergraduates seeking aircraft or spacecraft design supported by laboratory and project work.

Published program details
  • Aeronautical specialization
  • Astronautical specialization
  • Wind-tunnel facilities
  • Propulsion laboratories
  • Flight-testing research
Institution context
Tuition
$42,408
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
77%
Enrollment
3,264

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: erau.edu.

Rank #11 Score 63.3

Arizona State University

Aerospace Engineering, PhD

Tempe · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

View Arizona State University’s Aerospace Engineering, PhD

Program summary

ASU’s Aerospace Engineering PhD pairs original research with an 84-credit plan covering aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, structures, controls, thermodynamics, and transport.

The degree requires written and oral comprehensive examinations, a prospectus, and dissertation, with computational and laboratory facilities supporting specialized investigation.

The doctoral plan uses technical coursework to prepare for written and oral comprehensive examinations before the prospectus and dissertation. Aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluids can therefore serve as the breadth stage, while laboratory and computational facilities support the later move into a narrower original investigation at ASU.

Federal data show one research doctorate and a 63.3 score, fitting candidates seeking technical breadth before concentrating on an aerospace research question.

Published program details
  • 84-credit doctoral plan
  • Written comprehensive exam
  • Oral comprehensive exam
  • Research prospectus
  • Laboratory-supported dissertation
Institution context
Tuition
$11,478 in-state / $32,394 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
90%
Enrollment
79,818

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: degrees.asu.edu.

Rank #12 Score 63.1

Arizona State University

Astrophysics, PhD

Tempe · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0202

View Arizona State University’s Astrophysics, PhD

Program summary

ASU’s Astrophysics PhD joins theory, observation, instrumentation, quantitative modeling, independent research, and a dissertation in one doctoral plan.

Coursework spans stars and interstellar media, galaxies and cosmology, while research can include exoplanets, spectroscopy, telescope instruments, and spaceflight hardware.

Research can move from exoplanet spectroscopy and galaxy studies to telescope instruments and flight hardware. That range means a dissertation may be primarily computational, observational, or experimental, but the program still expects the researcher to connect the chosen method with a defined astrophysical question and defend the resulting work.

The 63.1 score and four recorded doctorates fit researchers who want to work across computation, observation, and instrument development in one program.

Published program details
  • Independent astrophysics research
  • Telescope instrumentation
  • Spaceflight hardware
  • Galaxies and cosmology
  • Astrophysics research
Institution context
Tuition
$11,478 in-state / $32,394 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
90%
Enrollment
79,818

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: degrees.asu.edu.

Rank #13 Score 62.4

Northern Arizona University

Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Program field from IPEDS

space studies programs in Arizona · Flagstaff · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

View Northern Arizona University’s Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Program summary

NAU’s astronomy bachelor’s setting connects telescope data, CCD imaging, planetary science, exoplanets, computational astrophysics, and research or internship opportunities.

Students learn to gather research-grade telescope data, analyze imaging with astronomical software, and study stars, galaxies, planetary systems, and solar-system evolution.

Flagstaff’s research setting lets students work with research-grade telescope observations and the software used to process CCD images. Internships and faculty projects extend that practice into computational astrophysics, galaxies, exoplanets, and planetary systems, so observation is paired with analysis rather than treated as a stand-alone laboratory exercise for undergraduates.

Four recorded bachelor’s awards and a 62.4 score fit students interested in observation and computational work within Flagstaff’s astronomy community.

Published program details
  • Research-grade telescope data
  • CCD imaging analysis
  • Computational astrophysics
  • Planetary science research
  • Astronomy internships
Institution context
Tuition
$11,378 in-state / $18,795 out-of-state
Graduation rate
61%
Admission rate
90%
Enrollment
28,467

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: nau.edu.

Rank #14 Score 58.9

Arizona State University

Astrophysics and Astronomy, MS

Tempe · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0202

View Arizona State University’s Astrophysics and Astronomy, MS

Program summary

ASU’s Astrophysics and Astronomy MS combines graduate work in stars, interstellar media, galaxies, cosmology, analysis, and modeling, with possible telescope observing opportunities.

The curriculum develops quantitative skills through analysis and modeling, and the program says students may have observing opportunities at regional or international telescope observatories.

Course choices cover stars and interstellar media, galaxies and cosmology, exoplanets and planetary science, instrumentation, astrostatistics, radio astronomy, and spectroscopy. The culminating work is either a thesis or the two-course Graduate Exploration Project, giving you two documented ways to turn the quantitative training toward independent research.

One federal award, a 58.9 score, and 10-of-10 peer position frame this option for students seeking focused master’s preparation at ASU.

Published program details
  • Stars and interstellar media
  • Galaxies and cosmology
  • Quantitative modeling
  • Possible observing opportunities
Institution context
Tuition
$11,478 in-state / $32,394 out-of-state
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
90%
Enrollment
79,818

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: degrees.asu.edu.

Rank #15 Score 58.3

Northern Arizona University

Doctorate in Planetary Science

Program field from IPEDS

Flagstaff · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0203

View Northern Arizona University’s Doctorate in Planetary Science

Program summary

NAU’s Astronomy and Planetary Science doctoral setting involves faculty research in astrobiology, exoplanets, planetary materials, spacecraft missions, and computational astrophysics.

Graduate students participate in faculty research covering planetary formation, surface processes, solar-system dynamics, astroinformatics, laboratory materials, and observational planetary science.

The department’s research areas span astrobiology, exoplanets and planetary formation, laboratory studies of planetary materials, observational planetary science, solar-system dynamics, spacecraft missions, astroinformatics, and theoretical or computational astrophysics. These are department-wide examples of the research environment around the doctorate. An individual project would draw on a narrower part of that range.

The federal record shows three research doctorates and a 58.3 score, fitting candidates drawn to faculty-led planetary and telescope work.

Published program details
  • Astrobiology research
  • Planetary materials laboratories
  • Spacecraft missions
  • Computational astrophysics
  • Faculty research participation
Institution context
Tuition
$11,378 in-state / $18,795 out-of-state
Graduation rate
61%
Admission rate
90%
Enrollment
28,467

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: in.nau.edu.

Continue beyond the state list

Compare Arizona Programs with National Rankings

Use this list of the best space studies programs in Arizona as your starting point, then move into the same subject, degree level, or career route without restarting your search.

What the federal records show

AZ · University of Arizona Anchors a 5-Institution Directory

This state view contains 15 program records from 5 institutions in 5 cities. Together, those records report 412 recent awards in this ranking of the best space studies programs in Arizona.

Where the Records Are

University of Arizona in Tucson contributes 6 records, Arizona State University in Tempe contributes 4 records, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott contributes 2 records. Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff contributes 2 records and ASU Online in Scottsdale contributes 1 record.

Fields and Degree Levels

Space science accounts for 9 records and 81 awards. Engineering accounts for 6 records and 331 awards.

At the bachelor’s level, 7 records account for 371 awards. At the research doctorate level, 6 records account for 29 awards. At the master’s level, 2 records account for 12 awards.

Institution and Career Context

Public institutions contribute 13 records across 4 schools. One private nonprofit institution contributes 2 records. Tuition, admission, graduation, and enrollment figures on each card describe the whole institution.

For aerospace engineers, the statewide median wage is $123,170 across 3,110 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $88,920 and $193,990.

For astronomers, the statewide median wage is $129,020 across 100 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $75,600 and $177,020.

For aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians, the statewide median wage is $75,230 across 380 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $61,530 and $94,390.

These wage figures describe statewide occupations, not earnings for graduates of a particular program.

Read before comparing

How to Read Arizona’s Program Records

01

Program Facts

CIP field, degree level, and awards belong to the individual program record.

02

School Facts

Tuition, admission rate, graduation rate, and enrollment describe the institution, not one department.

03

Current Requirements

Confirm delivery mode, laboratories, admissions, and residency rules on the school’s current program page.

Continue comparing

Compare Space Studies Programs in Other States

These nearby or similarly sized directories use the same CIP boundary, so their record counts are comparable.

CO Colorado 6 records HI Hawaii 3 records AL Alabama 10 records OH Ohio 20 records

Questions students ask

Questions About the Best Space Studies Programs in Arizona

How Many Space Studies Programs in Arizona Are Ranked Here?
This directory lists 15 records. Those records come from 5 institutions. Each field-and-level combination counts separately.
Which Fields Count as Space Studies in Arizona?
The published scope includes aerospace and astronautical engineering, astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and space systems operations. Broad pilot training and aviation management sit outside this degree-field boundary.
What Degree Levels Are Listed for Arizona?
Degree levels are counted separately in the summary above. A bachelor’s and a master’s at the same university appear as two records because they are different credentials.
How Are the Best Space Studies Programs in Arizona Ranked?
Each program receives a national peer score inside its own field and degree level. The state rank orders those scores, so an astrophysics doctorate is not scored directly against an aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree.
What Do the Tuition and Outcome Figures Describe?
Tuition, admission rate, graduation rate, and enrollment describe the institution. CIP code, field, degree level, and awards belong to the individual program record. Confirm current costs and program requirements with the school before enrolling.

Primary sources

Sources for Space Studies Programs in Arizona

Sponsored

Space Studies & Aerospace Programs

Schools pay to appear in these listings. They are separate from our rankings, which no school can pay to change.

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