Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,026/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (52% exposed)
Job Market Medium (20,800 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 11 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $786K $749K $654K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 11.7x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.4x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,334
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,106
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,026/yr, Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign land near the $40,255 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,334 against $41,026/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #2 among 11 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $41,026-to-$77,106 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 34,623 students in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary $101,390/yr
Atmospheric and space scientists $97,450/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 50/100, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
The 52% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign one of the best schools for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology?
Among 11 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →