Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Metropolitan State University of Denver

A $24,250 debt load for a meteorology degree is reasonable on paper—the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests manageable repayment. But here's the reality check: these figures come from national benchmarks across similar programs, not from Metropolitan State's actual graduate outcomes. With only three schools in Colorado offering this degree and no reported data from any of them, parents are flying blind on how Metro State's specific program performs in the local job market.

The $41,430 first-year earnings estimate aligns with what atmospheric science bachelor's graduates typically earn nationally, which puts you in the lower tier of STEM fields. Colorado's weather forecasting market centers on positions with the National Weather Service, local news stations, and private forecasting firms—a competitive landscape where internships and specialized skills often matter more than the degree itself. Metro State's 99% admission rate and accessibility mission serve a different student population than traditional meteorology powerhouses, which may affect networking opportunities and employer recruitment patterns.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamental question is whether you're comfortable committing to a specialized degree without knowing how Metro State's graduates actually fare. If your child is passionate about atmospheric science and needs an accessible, affordable option in Colorado, this could work—but push hard on internship placement rates, employer connections, and whether graduates land weather-related jobs or pivot to other fields. That information will tell you more than these estimated numbers ever could.