Best Colleges for Space Science?

I'm fascinated by space science and want to study it in college. Can anyone recommend the best colleges for space science? Are there any that are particularly known for their programs?

Absolutely, there are a number of universities that are renowned for their space science programs:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences offers a strong program in planetary sciences. Given that MIT also has stellar programs in related fields like physics and engineering, their space science program is particularly comprehensive with incredible faculty.

2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): The Division of Geological & Planetary Sciences at Caltech offers a strong, comprehensive program encompassing many aspects of space and earth sciences. Caltech also manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, providing students with unique research opportunities.

3. University of Arizona: They have one of the largest and most respected programs in Planetary Sciences. UA manages a large number of space telescopes and is involved in various space missions.

Remember, apart from the program ranking itself, you should also consider factors like class size, research opportunities, location, and overall campus life. Researching individual professors and their works will also help you understand what kind of undergraduate research opportunities might be available to you.

One way to measure the quality of these programs is to look at recent graduates: what kind of research or jobs have they moved onto upon graduation? This might provide insight into the quality of instruction and opportunities available at these institutions.