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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Bachelor’s Degree Schools

19 Colleges in the United States
$22,416 Avg Student Debt
$67,664 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Bachelor's Degree Badge [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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 78 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology students.

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2026 Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools

1
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

For return on investment in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology, no school beat Florida State University this year. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $27,125 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $39,967. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned it the #2 place for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $65,681. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

3
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Utah earned it the #3 place for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $60,527. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of North Carolina At Asheville came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Located in the city of Asheville, University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,501, compared with $24,849 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,108 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of North Carolina At Asheville earn a median of $31,821 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,108 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

5

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $16,097. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $63,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

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6

Northern Illinois University came in at #6 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $26,500. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $52,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

7

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #7 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $66,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $22,311 in student loans. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $41,026 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,311 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

9

University Of Maryland College Park earned the #9 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $20,836. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $57,901. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

10

Indiana University Bloomington placed #10 among the best values for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $52,123. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

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11

Texas A And M University Corpus Christi came in at #11 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Corpus Christi, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,508 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from Texas A And M University Corpus Christi generally make around $47,130. Set against $25,508 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

12

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #12 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $22,113. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $59,622. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

13

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #13 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $21,813. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $36,790 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.

14

Iowa State University came in at #14 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $53,900 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

15

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $58,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

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16
Suny At Albany crest
Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany earned the #16 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Students borrow a median of $25,875 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $44,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of North Dakota placed #17 among the best values for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $64,378. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.

18

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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,625 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $41,430. That is a strong return on a $18,625 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.

19

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania earned the #19 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Millersville. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $27,000. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $47,049. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

20

Texas A And M University College Station placed #20 among the best values for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, 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. Set against $19,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

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21

University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public school located in the city of Boulder. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $55,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

22
Valparaiso University crest
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University came in at #22 for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. 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 Valparaiso University generally make around $51,987. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants.

23

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology value this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 61%.

24

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #24 among the best values for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Located in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Soon after graduation, general atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree recipients from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach generally make around $41,515. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

Other General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Degree Levels

Explore the best-value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology
Associate's Degrees in General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology
Master's Degrees in General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology
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View All General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, 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 19 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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