Colleges with the Most Astronaut Alumni

Ever since I was a kid, I have always dreamt of becoming an astronaut. Just out of curiousity, does anyone know which colleges have churned out the most astronauts? This could be a fun factor for me to consider when picking a college!

Yes, it can indeed be fun and inspiring to study where many astronauts have studied before! Since your goal is to become an astronaut, an institution with a strong engineering or science program, particularly in fields like astrophysics or aeronautical engineering, might be a great fit academically as well.

Now, to your question, here are a few universities known for having a significant number of astronaut alumni:

1. The U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD): As of 2023, the Academy has 54 astronaut alumni. The foundation here tends to be in applied science, technology and engineering fields which are critical for space exploration missions.

2. The U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO): It has a record of 40 astronaut alumni. They have a reputation for contributing to the field of space exploration.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Here, a total of 44 astronauts as of 2023 have come out of MIT. Its advanced programs in physics, engineering and computer science are noteworthy.

4. University of Colorado Boulder: With 20 astronaut alumni, this university has a renowned aerospace engineering program.

5. Purdue University: Known as the "Cradle of Astronauts". As of 2023, Purdue counts 27 astronauts, including the first and last men to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan, among its alumni.

Keep in mind that while it’s interesting to see where many astronauts have come from, what’s perhaps more important is finding a university whose curriculum, culture, and opportunities align best with your own academic and career interests. Precisely, the astronaut path is typically a mix of heavy scientific or technical qualifications, military experience, and a fervor for high intensity, high-stakes work.

Overall, I would advise you to prioritize programs that offer comprehensive science and engineering disciplines, research opportunities, and perhaps connections with organizations like NASA or SpaceX. Good luck with your college search and future astronaut dreams!