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    Cornell University

    Astronomy and Astrophysics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Ithaca, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $41,600.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    25%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    40
    Cohort
    students
    60
    Credits
    $105.00
    App fee

    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University is a 60-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Ithaca, US. Tuition is $41,600 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Graduate students pursue research in planetary and exoplanetary science, galactic and extra-galactic astronomy, cosmology, instrumentation, observation, data analysis, simulations, and theory.

    Focus: research

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 1, 2026
    Fall 2028
    Dec 1, 2027

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min Our program requires a TOEFL minimum score of 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based. (Cornell Graduate School TOEFL iBT minimum sub-scores: Speaking: 22, Reading: 20, Listening: 15, Writing: 20)
    IELTS
    optional
    Min An overall band score of at least 7.0.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months OPT (US)

    $37,418.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University is $41,600 across 60 required credits.
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University online or in-person?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University is offered in-person.
    How long does Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University take to complete?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University is structured around 2 years and 60 credits.
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    How competitive is Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Cornell University reports an acceptance rate of approximately 25%.