[General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology](/majors/physical-sciences/atmospheric-sciences-meteorology/atmospheric-sciences-and-meteorology-general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 78 schools to find the best return on investment for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology students.
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Finding the Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology School for You
The general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. To help, we created our Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
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Florida State University earned the #1 spot for value among general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools in the United States. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $27,125. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $39,967 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.
Students looking for strong value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology will find it at University Of Utah, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $20,798. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $60,527 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned it the #3 place for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $65,681 early in their careers. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.
University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Asheville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,501, with out-of-state students paying around $24,849. Students borrow a median of $22,108 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Asheville generally make around $31,821. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Northern Illinois University placed #6 among the best values for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $52,308 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $66,254. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #8 among the best values for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $22,311 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $41,026. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #9 spot for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology value this year. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $57,901. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants.
Indiana University Bloomington earned the #10 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $20,542. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $52,123. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi earned the #11 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a large public school located in the city of Corpus Christi. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $20,794. Students borrow a median of $25,508 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Texas A And M University Corpus Christi earn a median of $47,130 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,508 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $36,790. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.
North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned the #13 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,113 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $59,622. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
Iowa State University earned the #14 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $23,495. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $53,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #15 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Suny At Albany came in at #16 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Located in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Students borrow a median of $25,875 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from Suny At Albany generally make around $44,736. That is a strong return on a $25,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.
University Of North Dakota earned the #17 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $64,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #18 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $18,625. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $41,430. Set against $18,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #19 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $51,693. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #20 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from Millersville University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $47,049. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus came in at #21 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $41,519 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,176 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.
University Of Colorado Boulder earned the #23 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public school located in the city of Boulder. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $55,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Valparaiso University earned the #24 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Located in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from Valparaiso University generally make around $51,987. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of Pennsylvania placed #25 among the best values for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $16,155. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $99,682. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 28 Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year:
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General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Related Rankings by Major
Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology. Browse the parent area of study.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 78 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 21 ranked schools only.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
[General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology](/majors/physical-sciences/atmospheric-sciences-meteorology/atmospheric-sciences-and-meteorology-general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
