BS Atmospheric Science at UC Davis: Fees Dates & Requirements

University of California Atmospheric Science is a four-year, full-time bachelor programme. Location: Davis, California, United States. Open to international students. Total annual cost: US$71,000 (INR 67.59 Lakhs). Fall intake only. This programme trains atmospheric scientists to forecast weather, analyze climate patterns, and solve environmental challenges using physics, mathematics, and field research.

UC Davis Atmospheric Science emphasizes hands-on field research and laboratory work. The programme integrates advanced meteorology, thermodynamics, and climate systems. Ideal applicants have strong physics and mathematics foundations, curiosity about atmospheric phenomena, and interest in environmental science careers or graduate study.

• Field research stations and modern meteorology labs on campus.
• Access to NOAA-grade equipment and atmospheric monitoring networks.
• Graduates eligible for 36-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States after graduation.

Also Check: University of California Atmospheric Science Admission

University of California Atmospheric Science Fees and Living Costs 2026

Annual cost breakdown for international students is fixed across all programmes at UC Davis.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Tuition covers all classroom instruction, laboratory access, and campus resources for the entire academic year.
• Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and covers emergency and routine medical care on campus.
• Room and board assumes shared on-campus housing; off-campus housing may vary but typically ranges between US$14,000 and US$20,000 annually.
• Books and supplies include course materials, software licences (such as MATLAB), and field research equipment as needed.

Cost of Living in Davis for Atmospheric Science Students

Davis is a college town with moderate living costs compared to urban California centres.

Tip for Indian Students: Davis students rely heavily on bicycles and public transit, reducing transport costs significantly. Budget an additional US$1,500 to US$2,500 (INR 1.43 to INR 2.38 Lakhs) per year for return flights home during winter and summer breaks.

Check Out: Living Costs in the United States for Indian Students

University of California Atmospheric Science Admission

UC Davis admits international students for Fall intake only. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all supporting documents are received.

Academic eligibility requires completion of high school with strong grades in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Minimum GPA: 3.2. International coursework must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) or similar credential evaluation service.

• Indian students with ISC or CBSE marks should aim for 85 percent or above in Mathematics and Physics to be competitive.
• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) scores in Maths and Physics significantly strengthen your application.
• If your school’s grading system differs from 4.0 scale, WES will convert your GPA automatically during credential evaluation.

English Language Proficiency

All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following standardised tests.

• TOEFL and IELTS scores must be submitted electronically directly by the testing agency to UC Davis.
• Indian students typically score higher on IELTS than TOEFL; prepare for IELTS if you prefer speaking-based formats over computer-based testing.
• TOEFL minimum of 80 iBT typically requires four to six months of targeted preparation for Indian students.
• Waiver: applicants with a degree from a university where instruction was entirely in English may request an English proficiency waiver (consult the graduate admissions office).

UC Davis ranks 33rd among United States national universities by US News and World Report 2025, placing it among the top research institutions in the country.

Honest Take: IELTS is slightly easier for Indian students than TOEFL because it emphasises conversational English. However, TOEFL is more widely accepted in the United States. Take a practice test for each and choose your stronger format.

Also Check: UC Davis Admission Requirements and Process

University of California Atmospheric Science Application

Applications are submitted through the UC application portal. All materials must be uploaded by the deadline for full consideration.

Required documents: WES-evaluated high school transcript, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), and two letters of recommendation from science or mathematics teachers. Additional essays may be requested for certain programmes.

• Submit applications three weeks before the deadline to allow time for your testing agency to send official scores.
• Requests for recommendation letters should be sent to teachers at least one month before the deadline.
• The Space Available deadline accepts applications on a rolling basis after the general deadline; admission becomes less competitive as space fills.

Application Tip: Indian students often wait until the final weeks to submit. Apply in October to be among the first reviewed cohort and increase your chances of scholarship consideration.

Read More: Step-by-Step UC Davis Application Process for International Students

University of California Atmospheric Science Scholarships

UC Davis offers limited scholarships directly to international undergraduate students. However, external scholarships and federal research grants are widely available.

Institutional scholarships range from US$2,000 to US$8,000 per year (INR 1.91 to INR 7.62 Lakhs), which covers 3 to 11 percent of total annual costs. Most are merit-based and tied to academic performance or research contribution. Apply through the UC Davis Financial Aid Office by 2 March for consideration in the same academic year.

External scholarships for atmospheric science students include: NOAA Hollings Scholarship (up to US$9,500 per year; INR 9.04 Lakhs), NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Programme (eligible after graduation for graduate study; up to US$48,000 over three years; INR 45.80 Lakhs total), and SMART Scholarship (covers tuition, provides internship stipend, requires military or defence-sector commitment post-graduation).

Indian students are also eligible for government scholarships offered by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and state education boards, which typically cover US$5,000 to US$12,000 per year (INR 4.76 to INR 11.43 Lakhs) for study in science and engineering programmes abroad.

• The NSF GRFP award does not require return-of-service but is highly competitive; apply in your final year of undergraduate study.
• NOAA Hollings is primarily for United States citizens and permanent residents; check eligibility for visa categories.
• UC Davis Career Services assists with scholarship searches and application writing throughout the year.

Scholarship Reality: Even with scholarships, international students typically finance 70 percent of costs through family support, part-time work, or education loans. Budget accordingly and do not expect full financial aid.

Check Out: Complete Guide to Scholarships for Indian Students at UC Davis

University of California Atmospheric Science Salary

Graduates of atmospheric science programmes earn competitive starting salaries with strong growth trajectories in research and government sectors.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2025, based on median salaries for Atmospheric Scientists and Meteorologists.

Primary employers are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), private meteorology consulting firms, and broadcasting networks. Federal government positions (31 percent of employment) offer stable salaries and benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Take-home pay varies by state and employer. United States federal employees pay approximately 22 percent in combined federal, state, and payroll taxes, reducing gross salary accordingly. Use a United States tax calculator (such as 1040.com) to estimate your net income before making relocation decisions.

• Entry-level positions in weather forecasting typically pay US$34,000 to US$38,000 (INR 32.37 to INR 36.19 Lakhs) annually.
• Research scientist roles at universities and federal agencies pay US$50,000 to US$75,000 (INR 47.61 to INR 71.41 Lakhs) with potential for grants and publications bonuses.
• Broadcasting meteorologists earn US$45,000 to US$100,000 (INR 42.85 to INR 95.21 Lakhs) depending on market size and experience.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training) work permits allow three years of post-graduation work in the United States, building experience before returning to India or applying for skilled-worker visas.

ROI Reality: Four-year investment of US$284,000 (INR 2.70 Crores) recovers within five to seven years at entry and mid-career salaries, with career earnings exceeding US$3.5 million (INR 3.33 Crores) over 40 years. This is a profitable degree for Indian graduates.

Also Check: Career Outcomes and Alumni Networks at UC Davis

United States Visa Atmospheric Science

International students study on an F-1 student visa and gain access to post-graduation work authorisation (OPT) for three years. This extended work period is critical for building experience before returning to India or pursuing permanent residency.

• F-1 visa: Issued for the full duration of your degree plus optional practical training (OPT). No employer sponsorship required; valid for four years plus 60-day grace period for departure.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): STEM graduates, including atmospheric science majors, are eligible for 36-month OPT (three-year work permit). Apply through your university’s International Student Office in your final semester. OPT is employer-independent; you may change jobs without visa sponsorship during this period.
• Post-OPT pathway: After OPT expires, pursue an H-1B (skilled-worker visa; requires employer sponsorship; valid three years, renewable), EB-3 (employment-based green card; six to ten-year process), or return to India.
• Spouse and dependent children: May accompany you on F-2 dependent visas (no work authorisation); spouse can apply for F-1 study status if pursuing their own degree.

Visa Reality: Three years of OPT work experience is highly valuable for Indian employers and increases your salary by 40 to 60 percent compared to fresh graduates returning directly.

Read More: Complete F-1 Visa Guide for Indian Students in the United States