2026 Best Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools in California

Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for atmospheric sciences & meteorology students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

• Best Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools in California

Best Schools for Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology in California

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall atmospheric sciences & meteorology education in California.

Top Schools in Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology

1

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

56 Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Degrees Awarded

$63,833 Median Starting Salary

Leading the list is University Of California Los Angeles, our #1 school for atmospheric sciences & meteorology. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. About 93% of students finish within six years. About 56 atmospheric sciences & meteorology degrees were awarded at University Of California Los Angeles in the most recent year. Students who receive their atmospheric sciences & meteorology degree from University Of California Los Angeles earn around $63,833 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,097. More information about a degree in atmospheric sciences & meteorology from University Of California Los Angeles

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

16 Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Degrees Awarded

$60,797 Median Starting Salary

University Of California San Diego is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in atmospheric sciences & meteorology, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. University Of California San Diego awarded about 16 atmospheric sciences & meteorology degrees in the most recent data year. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $60,797 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $17,101. More information about a degree in atmospheric sciences & meteorology from University Of California San Diego

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 6 schools evaluated.

• 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).

More about our data sources and methodologies.