Home › Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University › Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,494/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (52% exposed)
Job Market Medium (20,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 11 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs Top 50%

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 $610K $595K $542K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.8x 9.6x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.1x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,160
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,614
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $43,494 per year, Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn slightly above the $40,255 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 11% 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 $23,250 against $43,494/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #5 ranking among 11 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs places Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 42% earnings increase from $43,494 to $61,614 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accepts 57% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 30,435 in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →

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

Compare this program → View all 11 schools offering Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology →

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Other Schools

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus ($44,270) Texas A & M University-College Station ($41,519) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott ($41,515) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($41,515) University of Missouri-Columbia ($41,430) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($41,026) Florida State University ($39,967) Ball State University ($36,920)

Other Majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($96,432) Computer Engineering ($86,636) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($83,364) Construction Engineering ($82,627) Industrial Engineering ($82,437) Chemical Engineering ($82,382) Applied Mathematics ($82,275) Engineering Mechanics ($81,735)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →