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Astronomy Degree in Oyster Bay, NY — Salary & ROI 2026

Astronomy degree analysis for Oyster Bay, NY. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$73K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$128K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.7 yrs

in Oyster Bay

Cost of Living

145

index (100 = avg)

Astronomy in Oyster Bay, NY Overview

Oyster Bay, New York (pop. 293,214) has 11 colleges offering Astronomy programs. The local cost of living index of 145 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,620/month. Astronomy enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Astrophysics and Telescope Operation. The adjusted starting salary in Oyster Bay is approximately $72,500, growing to $127,600 by mid-career.

Category

STEM

Local Colleges

11

Public Tuition

$10,200/yr

Private Tuition

$42,000/yr

Room & Board

$15,477/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$8,000/yr

Unemployment

3.9%

Graduation Rate

57%

Astronomy Salary in Oyster Bay (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Oyster Bay's cost of living index of 145 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,500(+$22,500 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$127,600(+$39,600 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$159,500(+$49,500 vs national)

Note: National average Astronomy salary: $50,000 starting, $88,000 mid-career, $110,000 senior level.Oyster Bay adjustment factor: 1.45x based on the local cost of living index.

Astronomy ROI Calculator for Oyster Bay

Estimate your return on investment for a Astronomy degree using local Oyster Bay tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $10,200 | Private avg: $42,000

Oyster Bay avg aid: $8,000/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$102,708

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$21,750

vs HS diploma in Oyster Bay

ROI Payback Period

4.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Oyster Bay

$622,292

Lifetime earnings premium ($725,000) minus total education cost ($102,708)

Student Loan Payoff for Astronomy in Oyster Bay

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$102,708
Monthly Payment$1,166
Total Interest$37,239
% of Monthly Income19%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$102,708
Monthly Payment$2,010
Total Interest$17,868
Interest Savings$19,371

Colleges in Oyster Bay for Astronomy

Oyster Bay State University

public

$10,019/yr

$40,076 total

University of Oyster Bay

public

$9,448/yr

$37,792 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Oyster Bay Community College

$5,924/yr

New York Technical College - Oyster Bay

$6,048/yr

Top Employers for Astronomy in Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Astronomy graduates. National top employers in this field include:

NASASpaceXJPLNOAANational Observatories

Key Oyster Bay Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Astronomy Job Titles

AstronomerResearch ScientistData Analyst

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Astronomy degree outcomes in Oyster Bay, NY: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

  1. Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Astronomy programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for New York.
  2. Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Oyster Bay using regional CPI data.
  3. 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
  4. Job market outlook for Astronomy graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
  5. Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Oyster Bay Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), New York students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (New York)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Astronomy Degree in Oyster Bay — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

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