SPACE STUDIESPROGRAMS

Illinois program rankings

Best Space Studies Programs in Illinois

Compare the best space studies programs in Illinois across 12 degree records and 4 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 reviewed August 29, 2026 · Edited by Taylor Rupe

12program records
4institutions
287awards recorded
3cities

State program ranking

Best Space Studies Programs in Illinois, 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 92.4

University of Chicago

Bachelor’s in Astrophysics

space studies programs in Illinois · Chicago · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Chicago’s Major in Astrophysics offers BA and BS routes built around physical laws, computational methods, statistical analysis, observation, and faculty-led research.

Students study physics from nuclear to cosmological scales while developing computational, statistical, experimental, and observational skills through faculty-led research projects.

The department frames the BA and BS around the same research methods but lets the degree choice reflect the rest of your undergraduate plan. You work across physical scales and learn how computation, statistics, experiments, and observations answer different kinds of astrophysics questions before joining a faculty-led project in the major.

The federal astronomy bachelor’s entry reports 24 awards and a 92.4 score, earning position 1 in a 57-record national peer set.

Published program details
  • BA and BS degree options
  • Computational methods
  • Statistical data analysis
  • Faculty-led research projects
Institution context
Tuition
$67,446
Graduation rate
96%
Admission rate
4%
Enrollment
18,566

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: astrophysics.uchicago.edu.

Rank #2 Score 87.3

University of Chicago

PhD Program in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Chicago · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Chicago's Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD combines cosmology and telescope-based work with 8 awards, an 87.3 score, and rank 3 of 28.

The PhD Program in Astronomy and Astrophysics names astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology, and the University of Chicago source also identifies telescope-based work.

The year-round quarter program connects theory and experiment through research groups and links to the Enrico Fermi Institute, Physics, Geophysical Sciences, and the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics. Partnerships with Argonne, Fermilab, and the Giant Magellan Telescope extend the facilities available for doctoral projects.

Federal data places the entry 3 of 28 with an 87.3 score, above the 75.3 peer median. Its 8 awards exceed the median of 3, while the institution graduates 96%.

Published program details
  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Cosmology focus
  • Telescope-based work
  • 8 doctoral awards
  • 87.3 federal score
Institution context
Tuition
$67,446
Graduation rate
96%
Admission rate
4%
Enrollment
18,566

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: astrophysics.uchicago.edu.

Rank #3 Score 85.8

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Aerospace Engineering, BS

Champaign · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Illinois builds its aerospace engineering bachelor’s curriculum from mathematics and science toward aircraft and spacecraft analysis, technical electives, and yearlong team design.

Systems design begins early and culminates in a senior capstone responding to an industry, government, or professional engineering society challenge.

Engineering, mathematics, and science form the analytical base for work on future aircraft and spacecraft. The curriculum then asks students to apply that foundation across aerospace problems rather than treating the capstone as an isolated project, connecting early systems thinking with later team design decisions.

With 141 bachelor’s awards, an 85.8 score, and a 15-of-73 peer position, this option fits students seeking structured aerospace design practice.

Published program details
  • Yearlong senior capstone
  • Aircraft and spacecraft design
  • Aerodynamics technical core
  • Propulsion coursework
  • Individualized technical electives
Institution context
Tuition
$14,975 in-state / $36,804 out-of-state
Graduation rate
85%
Admission rate
42%
Enrollment
59,238

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.illinois.edu.

Rank #4 Score 84.2

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Aerospace Engineering, MS

space studies programs in Illinois · Champaign · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Illinois offers aerospace engineering master’s students thesis and non-thesis routes across aerodynamics, propulsion, controls, structural mechanics, materials, and fluid mechanics.

The thesis path uses a research adviser, while the non-thesis option is available online with the same awarded degree as resident study.

Thesis applicants are encouraged to contact faculty about research fit and funding, while online students develop a course plan with an adviser. Suggested tracks cover the department’s main technical divisions, and students can add an optional computational science and engineering concentration to their graduate work. Advising therefore shapes both available formats.

Sixty-six master’s awards and an 84.2 score support candidates comparing research-centered study with a course-based online route in aerospace engineering.

Published program details
  • Thesis and non-thesis routes
  • Online degree option
  • Astrodynamics and controls
  • Structural mechanics materials
  • Combustion and propulsion
Institution context
Tuition
$14,975 in-state / $36,804 out-of-state
Graduation rate
85%
Admission rate
42%
Enrollment
59,238

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.illinois.edu.

Rank #5 Score 83.8

Northwestern University

Doctorate in Astronomy

Program field from IPEDS

Evanston · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Northwestern’s astronomy doctorate combines broad astronomy training, flexible quantitative coursework, early faculty research, telescope access, and a defended thesis project.

Students may add physics, applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering courses while developing research through the department and CIERA.

Most new students work with a faculty member during the summer after their first graduate year, giving them an early view of available research. Coursework is typically completed before the thesis stage, and students defend a proposed dissertation topic before a faculty committee as the project takes shape.

Three research doctorates, an 83.8 score, and a 6-of-28 peer position fit candidates seeking interdisciplinary preparation and early investigation in practice.

Published program details
  • Flexible quantitative coursework
  • Early faculty research
  • CIERA research environment
  • Telescope access
  • Thesis topic defense
Institution context
Tuition
$67,158
Graduation rate
95%
Admission rate
8%
Enrollment
23,856

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: physics.northwestern.edu.

Rank #6 Score 81.2

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering

Champaign · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Illinois structures its aerospace engineering doctorate around two entry routes, adviser-led research, advanced mathematics, examinations, teaching, and a dissertation defense.

Approved master’s entrants complete 64 hours, while approved bachelor’s entrants complete 96, with both routes requiring thesis research and faculty examinations.

Each doctoral student works with a research adviser, and applicants are encouraged to contact faculty about active projects and funding before applying. Interdisciplinary engineering centers and department laboratories broaden the research setting, while an optional concentration adds computational science and engineering to the aerospace plan. Research funding depends on faculty project fit.

Eight research doctorates, an 81.2 score, and a 15-of-46 peer position suit candidates ready for sustained investigation and graduate teaching.

Published program details
  • Two doctoral entry routes
  • Aerospace thesis research
  • Qualifying examination
  • Graduate teaching requirement
  • Computational science concentration
Institution context
Tuition
$14,975 in-state / $36,804 out-of-state
Graduation rate
85%
Admission rate
42%
Enrollment
59,238

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.illinois.edu.

Rank #7 Score 80.5

Northwestern University

Doctorate in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Program field from IPEDS

space studies programs in Illinois · Evanston · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0299

Open the official program page

Program summary

Northwestern’s doctoral framework lets astronomy and astrophysics researchers combine departmental study with quantitative courses, interdisciplinary research, and advanced computing resources.

The published route supports research through CIERA and allows relevant work in physics, applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering.

Incoming fellowship students are encouraged to begin part-time research during their first year, and most new students join a faculty project by the following summer. The Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Exploration in Astrophysics adds seminars, collaborators, and project opportunities beyond a single research group.

One research doctorate and an 80.5 score fit candidates weighing a 2-of-4 peer position alongside flexible, research-oriented doctoral preparation in practice.

Published program details
  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Applied mathematics option
  • Integrated data science
  • High-performance computing
  • Interdisciplinary research
Institution context
Tuition
$67,158
Graduation rate
95%
Admission rate
8%
Enrollment
23,856

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: physics.northwestern.edu.

Rank #8 Score 80.1

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Astronomy, BSLAS

Champaign · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Illinois presents astronomy as a flexible physical-science and mathematics major that can pair with other fields and support telescope-based undergraduate research.

The curriculum explores astronomy and allied disciplines broadly, while a senior thesis can support the department’s distinction pathway for qualifying students.

Interdisciplinary work develops through data visualization, data mining, astrophysical simulations, and image processing. Those methods give students a way to combine physical science and mathematics with computational problem solving, supporting technical work in astronomy and other fields that depend on analyzing complex scientific data. Research can culminate in a supervised senior thesis.

Sixteen bachelor’s awards, an 80.1 score, and a 21-of-57 peer position fit undergraduates considering technical careers or later graduate study.

Published program details
  • Flexible astronomy curriculum
  • Physical science foundation
  • Senior thesis option
  • Telescope-based research
  • Astronomy internships
Institution context
Tuition
$14,975 in-state / $36,804 out-of-state
Graduation rate
85%
Admission rate
42%
Enrollment
59,238

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.illinois.edu.

Rank #9 Score 79.7

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Astrophysics, BSLAS

Champaign · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0202

Open the official program page

Program summary

Illinois requires astrophysics majors to complete advanced astronomy and physics study, with telescope work and a senior thesis route for distinction.

The bachelor’s curriculum applies physics to the universe and prepares students for graduate work in astrophysics, physics, planetary science, or space science.

Advanced coursework in both astronomy and physics is paired with data visualization, data mining, astrophysical simulation, and image processing. Qualifying students can pursue departmental distinction, and the highest distinction route adds a senior thesis endorsed by the research supervisor. Telescope work and a supervised thesis add direct research practice.

Eleven awards and a 79.7 score place the record 14 of 37 peers, fitting students seeking rigorous physics-based astronomy preparation.

Published program details
  • Advanced physics coursework
  • Advanced astronomy coursework
  • Senior thesis pathway
  • Telescope-based work
  • Graduate-study preparation
Institution context
Tuition
$14,975 in-state / $36,804 out-of-state
Graduation rate
85%
Admission rate
42%
Enrollment
59,238

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.illinois.edu.

Rank #10 Score 77.4

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Astronomy, MS

space studies programs in Illinois · Champaign · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Illinois astronomy master’s study emphasizes individually planned training in modern astrophysics, astronomical methods, faculty-guided research, observatory work, and a thesis.

Published research areas include cosmology, galaxy evolution, black holes, stellar evolution, exoplanetary systems, interstellar matter, and compact objects in Illinois.

Graduate plans are individually designed with close faculty contact and connect fundamental astronomy techniques to current research problems. Applicants are expected to bring intermediate and advanced undergraduate physics and astronomy, providing the base for work that ranges from theoretical questions to observational investigation across cosmic scales. That preparation supports the published thesis route.

Four master’s awards with a 77.4 score suit students who want broad theoretical and observational preparation before research or doctoral work.

Published program details
  • Faculty contact
  • Astrophysical theory
  • Observatory research
  • Galaxy evolution
  • Master’s thesis
Institution context
Tuition
$14,975 in-state / $36,804 out-of-state
Graduation rate
85%
Admission rate
42%
Enrollment
59,238

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.illinois.edu.

Rank #11 Score 75.7

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Astronomy, PhD

Champaign · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Illinois astronomy doctoral study pairs individually designed preparation with astrophysical theory, observational methods, emerging data techniques, faculty research, and dissertation work.

Research spans cosmology, galaxies, black holes, star formation, exoplanets, compact objects, gravitational waves, radio astronomy, and multi-messenger observations in Illinois.

Doctoral plans are designed individually in close contact with faculty and emphasize applying fundamental techniques to current research questions. The department combines observational and theoretical investigation across scales ranging through the history of the universe, allowing a dissertation to grow from a broad astrophysics foundation.

Four research doctorates and a 75.7 score fit candidates seeking broad astrophysics training with close faculty contact and telescope-based investigation.

Published program details
  • Individually designed study
  • Multi-messenger astronomy
  • Radio astronomy research
  • Telescope-based work
  • Doctoral dissertation
Institution context
Tuition
$14,975 in-state / $36,804 out-of-state
Graduation rate
85%
Admission rate
42%
Enrollment
59,238

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.illinois.edu.

Rank #12 Score 62.2

DePaul University

Bachelor’s in Astrophysics

Program field from IPEDS

Chicago · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0202

Open the official program page

Program summary

DePaul’s astrophysics bachelor’s curriculum combines core physics with instrumentation, observational data analysis, computational work, laboratory experience, and faculty research projects.

Students examine the universe, stars, planets, and galaxies while using elective choices to emphasize instruments, observations, or theoretical and computational methods.

The major begins with core work aligned to physics, then adds laboratory experience and faculty-guided research. Published project areas include astrophysics, observational astronomy, complex fluids, materials science, and ultrafast physics, and undergraduate participation can develop into work submitted for publication in scientific journals. The program also emphasizes scientific investigation.

One recorded bachelor’s award, a 62.2 score, and a 30-of-37 peer position fit applicants prioritizing flexible technical work and research participation.

Published program details
  • Observational data analysis
  • Theoretical computational work
  • Faculty research projects
  • Laboratory experience
  • Star formation coursework
Institution context
Tuition
$44,601
Graduation rate
68%
Admission rate
76%
Enrollment
21,210

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

Continue beyond the state list

Compare Illinois programs with national rankings

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

What the federal records show

IL · Space science spans 9 records

This state view contains 12 program records from 4 institutions in 3 cities. Together, those records report 287 recent awards in this ranking of the best space studies programs in Illinois.

Where the records are

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign contributes 7 records, University of Chicago contributes 2 records, and Northwestern University in Evanston contributes 2 records. DePaul University in Chicago contributes 1 record.

Champaign contributes 7 records, Chicago contributes 3 records, and Evanston contributes 2 records.

Fields and degree levels

Space science accounts for 9 records and 72 awards. Engineering accounts for 3 records and 215 awards.

At the bachelor’s level, 5 records account for 193 awards. At the research doctorate level, 5 records account for 24 awards. At the master’s level, 2 records account for 70 awards.

Institution and career context

One public institution contributes 7 records. Private nonprofit institutions contribute 5 records across 3 schools. Tuition, admission, graduation, and enrollment figures on each card describe the whole institution.

For aerospace engineers, the statewide median wage is $108,940 across 200 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $78,170 and $184,520.

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

Read before comparing

How to read Illinois’ 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 more best space studies programs by state

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

KS Kansas 6 records MI Michigan 7 records WY Wyoming 1 record CA California 34 records

Questions students ask

Questions about the best space studies programs in Illinois

How many space studies programs in Illinois are ranked here?
This directory lists 12 records. Those records come from 4 institutions. Each field-and-level combination counts separately.
Which fields count as space studies in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
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 Illinois 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 Illinois