Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and weather. Students learn how to predict weather, study climate change, and understand storms. If you love weather and science, studying meteorology can lead to a great career. Here’s a list of the 30 best colleges for meteorology in 2024. We include GPA requirements, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, and more.
30 Best Colleges for Meteorology
1. University of Oklahoma
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and broadcasting. They often find jobs with the National Weather Service, private companies, or TV stations.
Academic Highlights: The University of Oklahoma has one of the best meteorology programs. They have strong research facilities and offer many hands-on learning opportunities.
2. Penn State University
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $62,000.
Professional Outcomes: Penn State graduates work in forecasting, research, and environmental consulting. Many go on to work with government agencies or continue with graduate studies.
Academic Highlights: Penn State offers a comprehensive meteorology program with access to state-of-the-art weather research labs. They also provide many internship opportunities.
3. University of Wisconsin-Madison
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $61,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates find work in meteorology, climate science, and environmental policy. Many work for the government or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is known for its strong emphasis on research. Students can participate in hands-on projects and gain experience in forecasting.
4. Florida State University
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1270
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in weather forecasting, hurricane research, and climate studies. They find jobs with the National Weather Service and private companies.
Academic Highlights: Florida State University offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on tropical weather and hurricanes. Students have access to advanced technology and research tools.
You may also like read
- 30 Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering in California 2024
- Best Colleges for Materials Science 2024
- 50 Best Colleges for Geology Majors 2024
- 30 Top Universities for MIS 2024
5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1310
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $63,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, research institutions, and education. They often pursue advanced degrees in atmospheric sciences.
Academic Highlights: The University of Illinois offers a top-ranked meteorology program. Students can engage in cutting-edge research and participate in field studies.
6. Texas A&M University
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $62,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, energy companies, and environmental consulting. They are known for their strong analytical and forecasting skills.
Academic Highlights: Texas A&M offers a comprehensive meteorology program with a focus on weather prediction and climate studies. Students have access to modern labs and technology.
7. University of Miami
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in hurricane research, weather forecasting, and climate analysis. They often join research institutions or government agencies.
Academic Highlights: The University of Miami is known for its expertise in tropical meteorology and hurricanes. Students can engage in fieldwork and research projects.
8. University of Michigan
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, education, and government. They often pursue further studies in meteorology or related fields.
Academic Highlights: The University of Michigan offers a rigorous meteorology program with a focus on climate science. Students have opportunities to participate in advanced research.
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1320
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $63,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, environmental consulting, and climate policy. They are known for their strong analytical and research skills.
Academic Highlights: UNC Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students have access to advanced labs and research facilities.
10. University at Albany, SUNY
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1240
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $61,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, research, and education. They often join government agencies or pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: The University at Albany offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather prediction and climate studies. Students can engage in hands-on research.
11. North Carolina State University
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1270
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $62,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, environmental science, and research. They are known for their strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Academic Highlights: NC State offers a comprehensive meteorology program with a focus on atmospheric science and weather prediction. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
12. University of Utah
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1260
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $61,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental consulting. They often join weather services or continue with graduate studies.
Academic Highlights: The University of Utah offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on climate and weather analysis. Students can participate in field research and internships.
13. University of Arizona
GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, research, and education. They are known for their skills in weather analysis and forecasting.
Academic Highlights: The University of Arizona offers a comprehensive meteorology program with a focus on desert and mountain climates. Students have access to advanced research facilities.
14. University of Florida
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $62,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental policy. They often join government agencies or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: The University of Florida offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students can participate in field research and internships.
15. Plymouth State University
GPA Requirement: 3.2
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $58,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, education, and environmental consulting. They often find jobs with the National Weather Service or local TV stations.
Academic Highlights: Plymouth State offers a solid meteorology program with a focus on weather analysis and forecasting. Students have access to modern labs and technology.
16. University of Missouri
GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1230
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $59,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental policy. They often join government agencies or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: The University of Missouri offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students can participate in field research and internships.
17. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1260
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $61,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in aviation weather, research, and environmental consulting. They often find jobs with airlines, the FAA, or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: Embry-Riddle offers a unique meteorology program with a focus on aviation weather and forecasting. Students have access to advanced technology and research tools.
18. San Jose State University
GPA Requirement: 3.3
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, environmental science, and research. They often find jobs with the National Weather Service or private companies.
Academic Highlights: San Jose State offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students have access to modern labs and technology.
19. University of Alaska Fairbanks
GPA Requirement: 3.2
Median SAT: 1180
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $58,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, research, and environmental consulting. They often focus on polar weather and climate studies.
Academic Highlights: The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a unique meteorology program with a focus on polar weather and climate. Students can engage in field research and internships.
20. Mississippi State University
GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, broadcasting, and research. They often find jobs with TV stations or the National Weather Service.
Academic Highlights: Mississippi State offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather broadcasting and forecasting. Students have access to modern labs and technology.
21. Rutgers University
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $61,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental policy. They often join government agencies or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: Rutgers offers a comprehensive meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students can participate in field research and internships.
22. St. Cloud State University
GPA Requirement: 3.2
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $58,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, education, and environmental consulting. They often find jobs with the National Weather Service or local TV stations.
Academic Highlights: St. Cloud State offers a solid meteorology program with a focus on weather analysis and forecasting. Students have access to modern labs and technology.
23. University of North Dakota
GPA Requirement: 3.3
Median SAT: 1180
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $59,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental policy. They often join government agencies or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: The University of North Dakota offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students can participate in field research and internships.
24. Valparaiso University
GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1230
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, research, and education. They often join government agencies or pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: Valparaiso University offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather prediction and climate studies. Students can engage in hands-on research.
25. Western Illinois University
GPA Requirement: 3.2
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $58,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, education, and environmental consulting. They often find jobs with the National Weather Service or local TV stations.
Academic Highlights: Western Illinois offers a solid meteorology program with a focus on weather analysis and forecasting. Students have access to modern labs and technology.
26. Central Michigan University
GPA Requirement: 3.3
Median SAT: 1180
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $59,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental consulting. They often join government agencies or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: Central Michigan offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students can participate in field research and internships.
27. SUNY Oswego
GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1230
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, research, and education. They often join government agencies or pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: SUNY Oswego offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather prediction and climate studies. Students can engage in hands-on research.
28. University of Hawaii at Manoa
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1260
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $61,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental policy. They often join government agencies or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: The University of Hawaii offers a unique meteorology program with a focus on tropical weather and climate. Students can engage in field research and internships.
29. Northern Illinois University
GPA Requirement: 3.3
Median SAT: 1180
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $59,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather forecasting, research, and environmental consulting. They often join government agencies or private weather services.
Academic Highlights: Northern Illinois offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather and climate. Students can participate in field research and internships.
30. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1230
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in weather services, research, and education. They often join government agencies or pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: The University of Nebraska offers a strong meteorology program with a focus on weather prediction and climate studies. Students can engage in hands-on research.
Meteorology Colleges – Conclusion
Choosing the right college for meteorology is important. Each Meteorology Colleges offers unique strengths and opportunities. Schools like the University of Oklahoma and Penn State are known for their strong programs and research opportunities. Other schools, like the University of Miami and the University of Hawaii, offer specialized programs in tropical weather and hurricanes. No matter which school you choose, a degree in meteorology can lead to exciting careers in weather forecasting, research, and environmental science.