Best Schools for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates earn a median of $61,958 within four years of graduating, ranking #164 out of 283 tracked majors — 1% below the median across all fields. There are 24 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 312 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates earn $76,421 while Northern Illinois University graduates earn $49,198 — a $27,223 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is modest: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates see an average 2% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$61,958

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#164

of 283 Majors

312

Graduates

Public vs Private: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

Public (20 schools)

$60,696

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (4 schools)

$70,978

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $10,282 more in early earnings on average for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology by State

Also by state: California

Top Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Schools by Graduate Earnings

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Prescott, AZ · Private

$76,421

4yr Earnings

26 grads · small sample

2yr: $35,416 (14)

1yr: $40,282 (26)

Acceptance: 75.2%

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL · Private

$76,421

4yr Earnings

26 grads · small sample

2yr: $35,416 (14)

1yr: $40,282 (26)

Acceptance: 66.3%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$71,425

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

2yr: $38,289 (18)

Acceptance: 43.7%

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$67,892

4yr Earnings

28 grads · small sample

2yr: $35,416 (26)

1yr: $29,714 (20)

Acceptance: 57.0%

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public

$66,943

4yr Earnings

20 grads · small sample

2yr: $39,009 (16)

1yr: $31,392 (20)

Acceptance: 25.4%

SUNY Maritime College

Throggs Neck, NY · Public

$65,068

4yr Earnings

24 grads · small sample

2yr: $47,260 (14)

1yr: $44,810 (21)

Acceptance: 78.5%

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK · Public

$63,104

4yr Earnings

30 grads · small sample

2yr: $36,134 (16)

1yr: $32,913 (23)

Acceptance: 76.5%

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private

$60,092

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

State University of New York at Oswego

Oswego, NY · Public

$59,427

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

2yr: $28,598 (16)

Acceptance: 80.4%

#11

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public

$57,108

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 95.0%

#12

Vermont State University

Randolph, VT · Public

$56,630

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 83.2%

#13

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public

$54,593

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$52,786

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$49,198

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public

SUNY Brockport

Brockport, NY · Public

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA · Public

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL · Private

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public

$27,494

2yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$25,194

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 75.0%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Social Sciences, Other $34,908 Agricultural Production Operations $34,898 Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution $34,823 Urban Studies/Affairs $34,682 Criminal Justice and Corrections $34,628 Political Science and Government $34,374

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology?

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott ranks #1 for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology with median graduate earnings of $76,421 within four years of graduating. There are 24 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates earn?

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates earn an average of $61,958 within four years of graduating. This is near the median across all majors. Earnings range from $49,198 to $76,421 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology program?

The average acceptance rate across Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs is 67.4%. The most selective program is at University of California-Los Angeles with a 8.7% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology?

Private Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs average $70,978 in early earnings vs $60,696 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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