What is the starting salary for Astronomy graduates in Tampa?

The estimated starting salary for Astronomy graduates in Tampa, FL is $50,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 101. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Tampa are 1% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Astronomy degree worth it in Tampa?

A Astronomy degree in Tampa has an estimated ROI payback period of 4 years, with a projected lifetime return of $444,404 after subtracting education costs. With 26 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $5,955/year, Tampa offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.8% and the major's national unemployment rate of 4.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Astronomy in Tampa?

The average annual public university tuition in Tampa is $5,955, while private universities average $31,226/year. Including room and board ($9,194/year), total 4-year costs range from $60,596 at a public school to $161,680 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Tampa is $14,836/year.

What jobs can Astronomy graduates get in Tampa?

Astronomy graduates in Tampa can pursue careers as Astronomer, Research Scientist, Data Analyst. Key skills valued by local employers include Astrophysics, Telescope Operation, Data Analysis, Computational Modeling. The Tampa job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include NASA, SpaceX, JPL.

How long to pay off student loans for Astronomy in Tampa?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Astronomy graduates in Tampa would pay $688/month on an estimated $60,596 in loans, with $21,971 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,186/month but save $11,429 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $50,500, monthly payments would represent 16% of gross monthly income.

Astronomy Degree in Tampa, FL — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$51K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$89K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4 yrs

in Tampa

Cost of Living

101

index (100 = avg)

Astronomy in Tampa, FL Overview

Tampa is one of Florida's top college towns, with 26 institutions and a student population of 30,905. Public tuition averages $5,955/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Astronomy enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Astrophysics and Telescope Operation. The adjusted starting salary in Tampa is approximately $50,500, growing to $88,880 by mid-career.

Astronomy Salary in Tampa (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Tampa's cost of living index of 101 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$50,500(+$500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$88,880(+$880 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$111,100(+$1,100 vs national)

Note: National average Astronomy salary: $50,000 starting, $88,000 mid-career, $110,000 senior level.Tampa adjustment factor: 1.01x based on the local cost of living index.

Astronomy ROI Calculator for Tampa

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $5,955 | Private avg: $31,226

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Tampa avg aid: $14,836/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$60,596

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$15,150

vs HS diploma in Tampa

ROI Payback Period

4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Tampa

$444,404

Lifetime earnings premium ($505,000) minus total education cost ($60,596)

Student Loan Payoff for Astronomy in Tampa

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$60,596

Monthly Payment$688

Total Interest$21,971

% of Monthly Income16%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$60,596

Monthly Payment$1,186

Total Interest$10,542

Interest Savings$11,429

Colleges in Tampa for Astronomy

University of South Florida

public

$6,410/yr

$25,640 total

University of Tampa

private

$31,226/yr

$124,904 total

Tampa General Hospital

public

$5,500/yr

$22,000 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Hillsborough Community College

$3,120/yr

Top Employers for Astronomy in Tampa

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

NASASpaceXJPLNOAANational Observatories

Key Tampa Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Astronomy Job Titles

AstronomerResearch ScientistData Analyst

Astronomy in Nearby Florida Cities

Jacksonville, FL

$59K starting · COL 117

35 colleges

Miami, FL

$49K starting · COL 98

12 colleges

Orlando, FL

$48K starting · COL 96

16 colleges

St. Petersburg, FL

$49K starting · COL 97

22 colleges

Hialeah, FL

$39K starting · COL 78

22 colleges

Port St. Lucie, FL

$49K starting · COL 98.5

8 colleges

Tallahassee, FL

$45K starting · COL 89

11 colleges

Cape Coral, FL

$49K starting · COL 97.8

7 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Tampa

Prompt Engineering

$51K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$96K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$86K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$89K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$83K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$86K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$51K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$81K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Astronomy degree outcomes in Tampa, FL: 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.

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 Florida.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Tampa using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Astronomy graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Astronomy career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Astronomy grads

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 Tampa Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Florida 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 (Florida)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Florida programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "florida higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 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 Tampa — 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.

Explore More

Compare Astronomy ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Tampa.

Astronomy Overview Colleges in Tampa All Majors