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Best Online Space Studies Degree Programs (2026)
Updated September 7, 2026BLS dataCollege ScorecardOn this page
Key takeaway: Space studies is the interdisciplinary space degree: policy, operations, science, and the industry around launch and satellites. American Public University sells bachelor’s and master’s versions. It is not an aerospace engineering ABET program and it is not a physics PhD track, though both occupations appear in the wage table as the high end of the field. In IPEDS 2024, 115 institutions reported bachelor’s-or-higher completions in the CIP codes used for this guide, and 83 of those institutions reported offering distance-education programs (IPEDS 2024). Compare accredited programs below.
Astronomer is a tiny occupation (BLS: 1,800 employed in 2024). Most space-studies bachelor’s graduates work in operations, policy, education, or contractor analyst seats, not at a telescope. Aerospace engineer wages are listed so you can see the engineering alternative, not because this CIP produces that license.
These accredited schools offer online programs. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
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BOCSCORE
Graduation rate 30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
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Fully online availability 10%
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BOC
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Median annual wages come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Individual outcomes vary.
Median annual wage for the highest-paying space studies careers. Source: BLS OEWS. Chart: Best Online College.View the data behind this chart
Highest-paying space studies careers. Source: BLS OEWS (May 2025 release)
Occupation
Median annual wage
Physicists
$172,250
Natural Sciences Managers
$167,220
Aerospace Engineers
$134,960
Astronomers
$128,820
Engineers, All Other
$122,930
Physical Scientists, All Other
$122,570
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$103,170
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
$99,070
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Projected job growth (2024-2034) for space studies careers. Source: BLS Employment Projections. Chart: Best Online College.View the data behind this chart
Fastest-growing space studies careers. Source: BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Occupation
Projected job growth (2024-2034)
Aerospace Engineers
6.1%
Physicists
4.0%
Natural Sciences Managers
3.7%
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
2.6%
Astronomers
2.2%
Engineers, All Other
2.1%
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
0.7%
Physical Scientists, All Other
0.6%
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AstronomersSOC 19-2011
$128,820Median annual pay
Median hourly$61.94
Mean annual$132,920
Employment (US)2,120
Pay range (25-75%)$99,920 - $166,000
PhysicistsSOC 19-2012
$172,250Median annual pay
Median hourly$82.81
Mean annual$171,180
Employment (US)20,430
Pay range (25-75%)$111,720 - $222,760
Aerospace EngineersSOC 17-2011
$134,960Median annual pay
Median hourly$64.89
Mean annual$142,060
Employment (US)67,710
Pay range (25-75%)$106,110 - $169,690
Natural Sciences ManagersSOC 11-9121
$167,220Median annual pay
Median hourly$80.39
Mean annual$180,250
Employment (US)108,690
Pay range (25-75%)$119,430 - $221,540
Atmospheric and Space ScientistsSOC 19-2021
$99,070Median annual pay
Median hourly$47.63
Mean annual$106,110
Employment (US)10,000
Pay range (25-75%)$73,350 - $129,960
Engineers, All OtherSOC 17-2199
$122,930Median annual pay
Median hourly$59.10
Mean annual$125,330
Employment (US)154,070
Pay range (25-75%)$90,970 - $158,090
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, PostsecondarySOC 25-1051
$103,170Median annual pay
Mean annual$116,020
Employment (US)9,900
Pay range (25-75%)$77,260 - $135,510
Physical Scientists, All OtherSOC 19-2099
$122,570Median annual pay
Median hourly$58.93
Mean annual$129,230
Employment (US)22,300
Pay range (25-75%)$86,620 - $161,890
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
It is not flight training, not astronaut selection, and not an ABET engineering degree. If you want to design spacecraft, you want aerospace engineering and the FE/PE path described on the engineering pages.
A space studies degree covers orbital mechanics at a conceptual level, space policy and law, space history, remote sensing, and a research or operations capstone. Astronomer is a tiny occupation (BLS: 1,800 employed in 2024). Most space-studies bachelor’s graduates work in operations, policy, education, or contractor analyst seats, not at a telescope. Aerospace engineer wages are listed so you can see the engineering alternative, not because this CIP produces that license.
Can I earn a space studies degree online?
Yes. In IPEDS 2024, 115 institutions reported bachelor’s-or-higher completions in the CIP codes used for this guide, and 83 of those institutions reported offering distance-education programs (IPEDS 2024).
Is space studies accredited?
There is no programmatic accreditor for space studies. ABET accredits aerospace engineering, which is a different CIP (14.02) and a different silo family. Institutional accreditation is the check. Astronomer and physicist jobs at the research end want a PhD.
What do space studies graduates earn?
Astronomers The national median annual wage was $128,820, with the 10th percentile at $78,010 and the 90th at $195,190 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 1,800 in 2024, projected to grow 2.2 percent through 2034, with 100 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Individual outcomes vary by employer, geography, and experience.
