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Neurobiology

Neurobiology graduates earn $62,451 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.7%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Medical Scientists is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Neurobiology

Neurobiology is a focused area of study within Biology. Graduates typically earn around $62,451 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 368 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 12,903 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $31,770
Median Earnings · 4yr: $62,451
Colleges Offering: 368
Graduates / Year: 12,903
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,045

How Much Do Neurobiology Graduates Earn?

Neurobiology graduates earn $62,451 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,736 and $88,598. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $31,770 climbs to $62,451 by year four.

$31,770

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$62,451

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$61,799

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Neurobiology graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$40,736 25th pct.

$62,451 Median

$88,598 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $62,451 and an estimated $80,180 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.5 years.

Based on outcomes from 303 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 12,903 students who complete Neurobiology programs each year, the majority (89%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

89%

Bachelor's 89%

Doctorate 6%

Master's 4%

What Can You Do With a Neurobiology Degree?

Neurobiology connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +8.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Medical Scientists

$103,410

$80K $139K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 9,600 openings/yr 172K employed nationally

Writing Active Learning Science Speaking Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.

↗ +7.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Biological Science Teachers

$84,620

$64K $127K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 5,400 openings/yr 50K employed nationally

Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

↗ +3.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Biological Technician

$57,510

$48K $72K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 9,100 openings/yr 70K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Science Active Listening Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.

Top Colleges for Neurobiology

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Neurobiology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	402	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
2	The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX · Public	340	65.1%	$18,267	$68,227
3	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	301	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
4	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	300	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
5	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	269	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
6	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	269	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
7	Binghamton University Vestal, NY · Public	256	38.6%	$21,620	$80,596
8	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	215	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
9	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	210	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
10	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public	196	26.7%	$12,470	$84,943
11	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	186	9%	$12,548	$82,511
12	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA · Public	184	58.1%	$30,434	$66,125
13	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	167	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200
14	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	154	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
15	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public	154	78.1%	$25,346	$69,738
16	Emory University Atlanta, GA · Nonprofit	153	10.7%	$22,585	$80,137
17	Northwestern University Evanston, IL · Nonprofit	152	7.7%	$29,167	$89,363
18	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA · Nonprofit	148	14%	$39,949	$63,268
19	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit	145	6.4%	$18,809	$87,555
20	University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA · Public	142	76.4%	$14,304	$67,699

View all colleges

Ranked by Neurobiology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Neurobiology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Neurobiology degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Neurobiology Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Neurobiology shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $62,451 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $31,770 at graduation to $62,451 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.7% over the next decade, with Medical Scientists among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 32,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Neurobiology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Neurobiology graduates earn?

Neurobiology graduates earn a national median of $62,451 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,736 and $88,598. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Neurobiology degree?

One year after graduation, Neurobiology degree holders earn a median of $31,770. That climbs to $62,451 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Neurobiology degree?

Neurobiology degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Neurobiology program take?

A Neurobiology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Neurobiology?

368 colleges and universities in the United States offer Neurobiology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Neurobiology degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $62,451 and an average net price of roughly $20,045/yr, a Neurobiology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Neurobiology and Biology?

Neurobiology is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Neurobiology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Neurobiology graduates?

Employers hiring Neurobiology graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Neurobiology graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Neurobiology graduates?

The job outlook for Neurobiology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Medical Scientists is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.