Climate Science degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their climate science programs.
For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 2 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for climate science students pursuing a degree.
The school you choose for climate science can shape your career. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Climate Science rankings. For our Best Overall Climate Science School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.
In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Climate Science Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Columbia University In The City Of New York is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in climate science. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New York. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 105 climate science students who graduated with this degree at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent data year. Graduates of the climate science program make about $86,770 in their early career. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans.
Get the full climate science details for Columbia University In The City Of New York
Northern Arizona University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in climate science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 12 climate science students who graduated with this degree at Northern Arizona University in the most recent data year. Climate Science graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Northern Arizona University graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans.
Get the full climate science details for Northern Arizona University
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 2 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).