Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Stony Brook University

A first-year salary around $41,000 for a meteorology degree sounds modest, but comparable atmospheric science programs nationally suggest this is actually solid ground for the field. While these figures are estimates based on peer programs rather than Stony Brook's own outcomes, the national benchmark sits at the same $41,430—meaning atmospheric sciences graduates typically start in this range regardless of school. What matters more is the debt load, and at an estimated $24,250, this program comes in slightly below the national median of $25,500 for the field.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 translates to manageable first-year payments, roughly 6% of gross income under standard repayment. For context, SUNY Maritime—the only comparable New York program with reported data—shows graduates earning $34,000, suggesting Stony Brook's atmospheric sciences students may have an edge, though remember these are estimates. The state median of $34,361 reinforces that New York's meteorology programs cluster in similar territory.

For parents, the practical question is whether your child has genuine interest in weather forecasting, climate analysis, or environmental consulting—the typical career paths here. The estimated debt burden won't be crushing, and Stony Brook's strong academic profile (median SAT 1410) suggests solid preparation. Just understand you're making this decision with less certainty than programs where actual outcomes are reported.