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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Schools in the The Plains States Region

3 Colleges in the United States
111 Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology Degrees Awarded
$52,833 Avg Early-Career Salary

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.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools to find the best for atmospheric sciences & meteorology students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall atmospheric sciences & meteorology education in the The Plains States Region.

Top Schools in Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology

1

University Of North Dakota tops our 2026 ranking of the best atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 23 atmospheric sciences & meteorology degrees were awarded at University Of North Dakota in the most recent year. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $64,378 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in atmospheric sciences & meteorology from University Of North Dakota

2

Students looking for a strong atmospheric sciences & meteorology program will find one at University Of Missouri Columbia, which ranked #2. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. About 75% of students finish within six years. University Of Missouri Columbia awarded about 47 atmospheric sciences & meteorology degrees in the most recent data year. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $41,430 early in their careers. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates carry a median of $18,625 in student loans. See the full atmospheric sciences & meteorology program report for University Of Missouri Columbia

3

Iowa State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in atmospheric sciences & meteorology, landing the #3 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Ames. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 28 atmospheric sciences & meteorology students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State University in the most recent data year. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $53,900 early in their careers. Iowa State University graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Get the full atmospheric sciences & meteorology details for Iowa State University

4

Saint Cloud State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in atmospheric sciences & meteorology, ranking #4. This large public university is located in the city of Saint Cloud. About 39% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 atmospheric sciences & meteorology students who graduated with this degree at Saint Cloud State University in the most recent data year. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Saint Cloud State University earn a median of $51,625 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,076. See the full atmospheric sciences & meteorology program report for Saint Cloud State University

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 9 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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