Best institutions to study Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Compare 96 U.S. colleges offering Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 44 states.
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs report a median of $41,515 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 40.04 and the Atmospheric and Space Scientists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs
The Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology program focuses on the study of the Earth's atmosphere and its physical processes. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding weather patterns, climate variability, and atmospheric conditions over time. It encompasses various specializations, including meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, and climatology, catering to diverse academic interests within the field of physical sciences.
Students will develop essential skills in mathematics, physics, and critical thinking, along with practical knowledge in data interpretation and computer modeling. Coursework typically includes the study of atmospheric phenomena, weather forecasting, and the use of mathematical models to predict weather conditions.
Top 12 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,270 | 79 | 75% | — | $21,900 |
| 2 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,494 | 35 | 86% | — | $23,500 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,595 | 56 | 86% | — | $26,000 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,595 | 49 | 34% | — | $26,000 |
| 5 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,519 | 43 | 84% | — | $19,176 |
| 6 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Prescott, AZ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,515 | 4 | 68% | $38,461 | $25,500 |
| 7 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,515 | 18 | 67% | $38,899 | $25,500 |
| 8 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,430 | 44 | 75% | — | $18,625 |
| 9 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,026 | 28 | 85% | — | $22,311 |
| 10 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,967 | 41 | 86% | — | $27,125 |
| 11 | Ball State University Muncie, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,920 | 7 | 62% | — | — |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,790 | 42 | 90% | — | — |
Offered across 44 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2021, Atmospheric and Space Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in meteorology, climatology, and atmospheric research. The job outlook for this field indicates a growth rate of 0.7%, with approximately 700 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in atmospheric sciences and meteorology is $97,450, and a bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 40.04.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 40.04 (Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-2021 | Atmospheric and Space Scientistsprimary |
| 19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other |
| 25-1051 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
Concentrations within Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, GeneralCIP 40.0401
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of the atmospheric envelopes surrounding the earth, the effect of earth's atmosphere on terrestrial weather, and
- Atmospheric Chemistry and ClimatologyCIP 40.0402
A program that focuses on the scientific study of atmospheric constituents, reactions, measurement techniques, and processes in predictive, current, and historical contexts
- Atmospheric Physics and DynamicsCIP 40.0403
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the processes governing the interactions, movement, and behavior of atmospheric phenomena and related terrestrial and solar phenomena
- MeteorologyCIP 40.0404
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, OtherCIP 40.0499
Any instructional program in atmospheric sciences and meteorology not listed above.
Common questions
What are the main topics covered in this program?+
The program covers atmospheric chemistry, physics, weather forecasting, and climatology.
What skills will I develop?+
Students will develop skills in mathematics, critical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific research.
What kind of careers can I pursue with this degree?+
Graduates can work as meteorologists, climatologists, or in atmospheric research.
What is the job outlook for atmospheric sciences?+
The job outlook shows a growth rate of 0.7% with about 700 annual openings.
How much do Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates earn?+
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates report median earnings of $41,515 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Atmospheric and Space Scientists occupation pays about $106,110 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology?+
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology maps to CIP 40.04 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card