2026 Best Value General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Our analysis ranked Northern Illinois University the best value for a degree in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology in the Great Lakes Region. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $52,308. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Students looking for strong value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology will find it at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $19,137. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $66,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

4

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Students looking for strong value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology will find it at Indiana University Bloomington, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $52,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

5

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #5 place for general atmospheric sciences & meteorology. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. General Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $36,790 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in general atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $58,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

7

Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Located in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career general atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $51,987. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.