Top Colleges for Planetary Science?

I'm fascinated by planetary science and want to pursue it in college. What are some of the best colleges or universities known for their planetary science programs? A good astronomy department would be a plus.

If you're interested in planetary science, there are many renowned institutions where you could pursue this field of study.

One school that leads in this field is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT's Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Department offers a program in Planetary Science + Astronomy, and they're renowned for their robust research opportunities. Also, their Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research is quite well-regarded.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is another great option. Caltech's Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences has robust research opportunities in fields ranging from geology to cosmology.

Stanford University is another institution that is known for the quality of its Geophysics department, which includes planetary science.

The University of Arizona could also be a great choice, especially given its Lunar and Planetary Lab is recognized nationally for its research in planetary science.

For excellent astronomy departments, you might want to consider University of California, Berkeley, or Harvard University. Both schools have thriving astronomy and astrophysics programs, which could complement your interest in planetary science.

Remember, college rankings can be a valuable starting point, but they shouldn't be the end-all, be-all in your college search. You should also consider factors such as class size, faculty, culture, location, research opportunities, and financial aid when making your decision.