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Astrophysics Degree in Syracuse, NY — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$116K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$171K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

2 yrs

in Syracuse

Cost of Living

137

index (100 = avg)

Astrophysics in Syracuse, NY Overview

Syracuse, New York (pop. 148,620) has 10 colleges offering Astrophysics programs. The local cost of living index of 137 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,093/month. Astrophysics enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Cosmology and Spectroscopy. The adjusted starting salary in Syracuse is approximately $116,450.

Category

STEM

Local Colleges

10

Public Tuition

$14,304/yr

Private Tuition

$57,750/yr

Room & Board

$19,896/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$16,141/yr

Unemployment

4%

Graduation Rate

62%

Astrophysics Salary in Syracuse (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Syracuse's cost of living index of 137 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$116,450(+$31,450 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$171,250(+$46,250 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$239,750(+$64,750 vs national)

Note: National average Astrophysics salary: $85,000 starting, $125,000 mid-career, $175,000 senior level.Syracuse adjustment factor: 1.37x based on the local cost of living index.

Astrophysics ROI Calculator for Syracuse

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

Public avg: $14,304 | Private avg: $57,750

Syracuse avg aid: $16,141/yr

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

Total Education Cost

$136,800

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$68,500

vs HS diploma in Syracuse

ROI Payback Period

2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Syracuse

$1,918,200

Lifetime earnings premium ($2,055,000) minus total education cost ($136,800)

Student Loan Payoff for Astrophysics in Syracuse

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$136,800
Monthly Payment$1,553
Total Interest$49,600
% of Monthly Income16%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$136,800
Monthly Payment$2,677
Total Interest$23,799
Interest Savings$25,801

Colleges in Syracuse for Astrophysics

Syracuse University

private

$57,750/yr

$231,000 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Onondaga Community College

$5,504/yr

Top Employers for Astrophysics in Syracuse

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

NASAJPLSpaceXNational Labs

Key Syracuse Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Astrophysics Job Titles

AstrophysicistResearch ScientistData Scientist

Astrophysics Degree in Syracuse — 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 Astrophysics ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Syracuse.

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