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

1

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University earned the #1 spot for value among atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $52,308. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $19,137. Early-career 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 is a great value for students pursuing a degree in atmospheric sciences & meteorology, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $22,311 to complete the atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $41,026. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

4

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Students looking for strong value in 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Early-career atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $52,123. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

5

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central Michigan University earned it the #5 place for atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Central Michigan University is a large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete the atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. Early-career atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $50,688. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

6

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #6 position for value in atmospheric sciences & meteorology this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete the atmospheric sciences & meteorology program here. 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. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

7

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value atmospheric sciences & meteorology schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

8

Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University placed #8 among the best values for atmospheric sciences & meteorology. Located in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $48,450. Typical student debt for atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates is $27,000. Early-career atmospheric sciences & meteorology graduates make about $51,987. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.