Best colleges for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology by graduate earnings are University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus ($44,270), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($43,494) and Pennsylvania State University ($42,595), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (Norman, OK): $44,270, 79 graduates a year
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA): $43,494, 35 graduates a year
- Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA): $42,595, 56 graduates a year
- Texas A&M University - College Station (College Station, TX): $41,519, 43 graduates a year
- University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia, MO): $41,430, 44 graduates a year
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 median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,515 (College Scorecard, 2019), 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 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | 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 University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,595 | 56 | 86% | — | $26,000 |
| 4 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,519 | 43 | 84% | — | $19,176 |
| 5 | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,430 | 44 | 75% | — | $18,625 |
| 6 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,026 | 28 | 85% | — | $22,311 |
| 7 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,967 | 41 | 86% | — | $27,125 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,790 | 42 | 90% | — | — |
| 9 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree Online | $42,595 | 49 | 34% | — | $26,000 |
| 10 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Prescott, AZ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $41,515 | 4 | 68% | $38,461 | $25,500 |
| 11 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $41,515 | 18 | 67% | $38,899 | $25,500 |
| 12 | Ball State University Muncie, IN Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $36,920 | 7 | 62% | — | — |
Specializations within Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
4 of the 5 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 40.04 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Atmospheric Sciences and MeteorologyCIP 40.0401953 graduates / yr70 institutions37 states
- MeteorologyCIP 40.0404276 graduates / yr27 institutions21 states
- Atmospheric Sciences and MeteorologyCIP 40.0499partial data44 graduates / yr8 institutions8 states
- Atmospheric Chemistry and ClimatologyCIP 40.0402limited data7 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states
Show all 5 codes (1 with no U.S. programs reported)+
- Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics40.0403
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
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.
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 one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,515, College Scorecard (2019); 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.
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