Best Schools for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates earn a median of $34,485 within two years of graduation, ranking #164 out of 292 tracked majors — 3% below the median across all fields. There are 22 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 290 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: SUNY Maritime College graduates earn $47,260 while Western Illinois University graduates earn $25,194 — a $22,066 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

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.

22
Schools
$34,485
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#164
of 292 Majors
290
Graduates

Public vs Private: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

Public (18 schools)
$34,818
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (4 schools)
$32,992
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools produce comparable or higher early earnings for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, often at lower tuition — making them strong value options for this major.

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology by State

Top Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
S

SUNY Maritime College

Throggs Neck, NY · Public

$47,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $44,810
Grads: 21
Acceptance: 78.5%
#2
F

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public

$39,009
2yr Earnings
1yr: $31,392
Grads: 20
Acceptance: 25.4%
#3
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 43.7%
#4
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr: $25,950
Grads: 16
Acceptance: 70.5%
#5
U

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public

$37,748
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 42.5%
#6
T

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public

$37,208
2yr Earnings
1yr: $43,394
Grads: 16
Acceptance: 63.2%
#7
I

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr: $33,650
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 89.1%
#8
U

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK · Public

$36,134
2yr Earnings
1yr: $32,913
Grads: 23
Acceptance: 76.5%
#9
E

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Prescott, AZ · Private

$35,416
2yr Earnings
1yr: $40,282
Grads: 26
Acceptance: 75.2%
#10
E

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL · Private

$35,416
2yr Earnings
1yr: $40,282
Grads: 26
Acceptance: 66.3%
#11
V

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$35,416
2yr Earnings
1yr: $29,714
Grads: 20
Acceptance: 57.0%
#12
S

SUNY Brockport

Brockport, NY · Public

$35,060
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.3%
#13
U

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr: $33,394
Grads: 31
Acceptance: 77.0%
#14
N

Northern Vermont University

Johnson, VT · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr: $37,519
Grads: 21
Acceptance: N/A
#15
M

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA · Public

$33,138
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 89.4%
#16
C

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

$32,925
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 91.0%
#17
V

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private

$30,771
2yr Earnings
1yr: $35,818
Grads: 28
Acceptance: 92.2%
#18
F

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL · Private

$30,366
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 62.5%
#19
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$30,126
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 8.7%
#20
S

State University of New York at Oswego

Oswego, NY · Public

$28,598
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.4%
#21
O

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public

$27,494
2yr Earnings
1yr: $38,431
Grads: 17
Acceptance: 50.8%
#22
W

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$25,194
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.0%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology?
SUNY Maritime College ranks #1 for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology with median graduate earnings of $47,260 within two years. There are 22 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 $34,485 within two years of graduation. This is near the median across all majors. Earnings range from $25,194 to $47,260 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 66.0%. 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 $32,992 in early earnings vs $34,818 at public schools. Public schools offer competitive earnings at typically lower cost, making them strong value options.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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