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Best Value Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The National Weather Service employs nearly 5,000 meteorologists across the country, creating steady demand for graduates from affordable atmospheric sciences programs. Florida State University delivers strong value at $10,997 net cost, producing graduates earning $39,009 annually with an 83% graduation rate. The cost spread across these 20 programs spans nearly $30,000, from Florida State's bargain pricing to higher-cost options nearing $21,781. Public universities dominate this field, offering in-state students particularly strong returns on investment. SUNY Maritime College graduates command the highest starting salaries at $47,260, reflecting the maritime industry's need for weather specialists in shipping and offshore operations. Western Illinois University represents the other extreme, with graduates earning $25,194 despite reasonable costs. The Midwest and Southeast show strong program clusters, aligning with tornado alley research needs and hurricane forecasting centers. Most programs maintain graduation rates between 50-85%, with UCLA achieving 92.7% despite highly selective 8.57% acceptance. Career prospects remain solid as climate change increases demand for atmospheric modeling expertise in agriculture, aviation, and emergency management sectors nationwide.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $40,289
Net Price Range
$34,509
Avg. Program Earnings
61.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,997 $39,009 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
2 $12,909 $38,289 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $13,485 $37,748 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
4 $15,201 $38,289 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $15,844 $35,060 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
6 $11,592 $25,194 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
7 $21,781 $47,260 $8,540 74.9% 80.3%
8 $14,013 $30,126 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
9 $17,413 $36,134 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
10 $16,041 $32,925 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
11 $18,165 $36,848 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
12 $20,924 $37,208 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
13 $19,889 $33,993 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
14 $17,231 $28,598 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
15 $20,231 $33,138 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
16 $18,292 $27,494 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
17 $23,790 $35,416 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
18 $21,583 $30,771 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
19 $39,983 $35,416 $42,204 69.8% 68.0%
20 $40,289 $35,416 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%
21 $35,300 $30,366 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
22 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
23 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
24 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
25 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
26 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
27 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
28 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
29 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
30 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
31 $18,998 $10,951 63.3% 83.3%
32 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
33 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
34 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
35 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
36 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
37 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
38 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
39 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
40 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
41 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
42 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
43 $19,518 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
44 $20,380 $10,400 58.2% 82.7%
45 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
46 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
47 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
48 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
49 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
50 $17,365 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes SUNY Maritime College graduates earn $47,260 compared to other programs?

Maritime College focuses on marine meteorology applications, preparing students for specialized roles in shipping, offshore energy, and naval operations. These niche positions command premium salaries due to the critical nature of weather forecasting for maritime safety. The program's 74.9% graduation rate reflects rigorous training that employers value. Maritime meteorologists often work for shipping companies, coast guard services, and offshore drilling operations.

How do public university costs compare for atmospheric sciences programs?

In-state students pay between $5,656 at Florida State and $16,004 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a $10,000+ range. Out-of-state costs push net prices higher, with some programs reaching over $20,000 annually. Public universities offer the best value proposition in this field, as private institutions rarely offer atmospheric sciences programs. State funding helps keep costs reasonable while maintaining quality meteorology equipment and research facilities.

Is the 25% difference in earnings worth considering when choosing programs?

Starting salaries range from $25,194 at Western Illinois to $47,260 at SUNY Maritime, representing an $22,000+ annual difference. Geographic location strongly influences earning potential, with coastal and metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation. However, lower-cost programs like Florida State at $10,997 net price can provide better long-term returns despite modest $39,009 starting salaries. Regional job markets and specialization areas matter more than program prestige for career outcomes.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in atmospheric sciences?

UCLA maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 8.57% while achieving a 92.7% graduation rate, suggesting highly selective admission standards. However, Iowa State accepts 90.22% of applicants yet maintains a solid 75.5% graduation rate and $36,848 average earnings. Northern Illinois accepts 70.68% of students but graduates only 49.6%, indicating potential retention challenges. Selective admission often reflects overall university competitiveness rather than specific atmospheric sciences program strength.

Where do atmospheric sciences graduates typically find employment after graduation?

The National Weather Service employs the largest number of meteorologists, offering stable government positions with benefits. Private consulting firms hire graduates for agricultural forecasting, helping farmers optimize planting and harvesting decisions worth billions annually. Media companies need broadcast meteorologists, while airlines require weather specialists for flight safety operations. Emergency management agencies increasingly employ atmospheric scientists for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation planning in vulnerable communities.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.