Best Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 91 U.S. colleges offering Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 41 states.
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 10 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 | 71 | 75% | — | $21,900 |
| 2 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,494 | 39 | 86% | — | $23,500 |
| 3 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,519 | 50 | 84% | — | $19,176 |
| 4 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Prescott, AZ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,515 | 4 | 68% | $38,461 | $25,500 |
| 5 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,515 | 14 | 67% | $38,899 | $25,500 |
| 6 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,430 | 47 | 75% | — | $18,625 |
| 7 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,026 | 34 | 85% | — | $22,311 |
| 8 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,967 | 48 | 86% | — | $27,125 |
| 9 | Ball State University Muncie, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,920 | 7 | 62% | — | — |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,790 | 34 | 90% | — | — |
Offered across 41 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
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.
Tools & technology
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.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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