Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorologyat Ball State University
Graduates earn $36,920/yr in their first year — about 8.0% below the national Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $451K; scenarios range from $437K to $445K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Ball State University
Ball State's Atmospheric Sciences program offers a focused education within a niche field, preparing you for roles in weather forecasting, climate analysis, or environmental science. The regional job market in Indiana and surrounding states often emphasizes government positions with agencies like the National Weather Service, or broadcast meteorology in smaller markets, which can influence initial earning potential compared to larger research institutions or private sector opportunities on the coasts.
Given the "Very High" AI risk, it’s crucial to understand that routine data analysis and basic forecasting tasks are becoming increasingly automated. Your success will depend on developing skills in advanced modeling, data interpretation, and effective communication of complex phenomena. Consider specializing in areas like severe weather research, climate change impacts, or applying meteorological data to specific industries. Focus heavily on internships to build practical experience and differentiate yourself in a rapidly evolving field.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Ball State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
How Ball State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Ball State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Ball State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Ball State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Ball State University?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology careers?
With 52% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $437,078 in decade earnings vs $445,316 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.