Climate Science Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Study of long-term weather patterns and the factors driving climate change.
Starting Salary
$72K
median
Mid-Career
$105K
salary
ROI Payback
3 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
2%
rate
Climate Science Overview
Study of long-term weather patterns and the factors driving climate change.
Category
STEM
Degree Level
Bachelor's/Master's
Graduation Rate
82%
Enrollment Trend
growing
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
8%
Lifetime Premium
$100K
Female Graduates
45%
Climate Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$18,900
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$18,900
after scholarships
ROI Payback
1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$81,100
Lifetime earnings premium ($100,000) minus net degree cost ($18,900)
Climate Science Salary Progression
Common Climate Science Careers
Climate Scientist
Environmental Analyst
Research Scientist
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Climate Science
#1
MIT
#2
Stanford
#3
Columbia
#4
CU Boulder
#5
University of Washington
Climate Science Degree FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Enrollment and graduation data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES/IPEDS). Tuition estimates based on College Board Annual Survey of Colleges. Last updated March 2026.
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Climate Science degree outcomes: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide an accurate national view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition reflects 4-year public/private national weighted averages.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, updated annually with national-level data.
- 10-year ROI formula: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Loan Interest).
- Job market outlook uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024–2034 base period).
- Default rates and outcomes sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks earnings and debt repayment by institution and major.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates by major
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Climate Science career projections 2024–2034
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant programs
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — enrollment, graduation, and tuition trends
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Climate Science graduates
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, and economic conditions. Always verify tuition with the institution directly and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Climate Science Programs by City
Tuition, salary outcomes, and cost of living for climate science programs vary by city. See your local numbers:
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