Cheapest Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Colleges in California

UC San Diego offers atmospheric sciences students the lowest net cost at $11,750 annually, while UCLA graduates earn $30,126 in early career salaries. California's aerospace industry, anchored by companies like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, creates steady demand for meteorologists and atmospheric scientists. The state's five programs span acceptance rates from UCLA's selective 8.57% to San Jose State's accessible 76.71%, giving students multiple pathways into weather forecasting and climate research careers.

Programs

$11,750 – $15,288

Net Price Range

$30,126

Avg. Program Earnings

84.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, California	$11,750	$15,265	87.6%	23.7%
2	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$13,741	$7,992	64.7%	76.7%
3	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$14,013	$13,747	92.7%	8.6%
4	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, California	$14,979	$14,850	92.9%	11.3%
5	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $3,500 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UC San Diego's $11,750 net cost reflects generous financial aid packages, while UC Davis charges $15,288 annually. All five schools are public institutions with similar in-state tuition, so the gap comes from varying levels of need-based aid and scholarship availability.

How competitive are admissions for atmospheric sciences programs in California?

UCLA admits just 8.57% of applicants and UC Berkeley accepts 11.33%, making them among the most selective programs nationwide. San Jose State provides a more accessible option with a 76.71% acceptance rate while still maintaining a solid 64.7% graduation rate.

Does the Cal Grant program help reduce costs for atmospheric sciences students?

Yes, Cal Grant awards can cover full tuition at UC and CSU campuses for qualifying students. This explains why several programs show net costs below published tuition rates, particularly benefiting middle and lower-income students pursuing meteorology degrees.

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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.