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Cheapest Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY City College stands out with a net price of just $3,486 for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology students, making it nearly three times cheaper than the next most affordable option at $4,503. This dramatic cost difference reflects the unique value proposition of studying weather science in New York City, where students gain access to the National Weather Service's New York office and regional climate research initiatives. The field offers varying earning potential, with graduates reporting salaries between $25,194 and $39,009 depending on their career path and location. Florida State University demonstrates how affordability doesn't sacrifice quality, combining a reasonable $10,997 net price with an impressive 83% graduation rate. The Northeast corridor, stretching from New York to North Carolina, hosts several major weather prediction centers and private meteorological consulting firms, creating steady demand for atmospheric science graduates. Ohio University's regional campuses offer multiple entry points into the field, though their graduation rates hover below 21%, suggesting students may transfer to complete degrees elsewhere.
50
Programs
$3,486 – $18,292
Net Price Range
$33,810
Avg. Program Earnings
62.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
3 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
4 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
5 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
6 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
7 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
9 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
10 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
11 $11,633 $9,190 50.6% 70.1%
12 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
13 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
14 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
15 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
16 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
17 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
18 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
19 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
20 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
21 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
22 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
23 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
24 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
25 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
26 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
27 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
28 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
29 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
30 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
31 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
32 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
33 $15,402 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
34 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
35 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
36 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
37 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
38 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
39 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
40 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
41 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
42 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
43 $17,231 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
44 $17,365 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
45 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
46 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
47 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
48 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
49 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
50 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive price gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

CUNY City College's $3,486 net price reflects New York's generous state financial aid programs and the school's urban mission to serve local students. In contrast, programs costing over $12,000 often serve more out-of-state students or operate in states with different funding models. The $10,000+ price difference between the cheapest and most expensive options shows how location and state policies significantly impact college costs.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in atmospheric sciences?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with Florida State University achieving 83% graduation at $10,997 net cost. Meanwhile, Ohio University's regional campuses charge under $7,000 but report graduation rates between 12% and 20%. This pattern suggests that more expensive programs may offer better student support services or attract students who are better prepared for the academic rigor.

Where do atmospheric science graduates typically find employment after these programs?

The National Weather Service employs many graduates at forecast offices and storm prediction centers, particularly those from programs near major weather events like Florida State University. Private consulting firms, television stations, and agricultural companies also hire meteorologists, with starting salaries varying from $25,194 to $39,009. Florida State graduates report the highest early career earnings at $39,009, likely due to proximity to hurricane research and aerospace industries.

Does attending a lower-cost program limit career opportunities in meteorology?

Not necessarily, as meteorology jobs focus heavily on technical skills and federal certifications rather than school prestige. CUNY City College's $3,486 program provides access to the same National Weather Service training opportunities as more expensive alternatives. However, programs with higher graduation rates like Florida State University (83%) may offer better internship networks and research opportunities that can accelerate early career growth.

What accounts for the wide range in graduate earnings from these programs?

Geographic location plays a major role, with coastal areas and severe weather regions typically offering higher salaries due to increased demand for forecasting expertise. Entry-level positions at the National Weather Service start around $25,000-$30,000, while private sector consulting and broadcast meteorology can reach $35,000-$40,000 initially. The $13,815 earnings gap between the lowest and highest reported salaries reflects these different career paths and regional markets.

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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.