Neurobiology and Neurosciences at Barnard College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
That $24,569 first-year salary from one of the country's most selective colleges demands explanation—and the small sample size (under 30 graduates) is likely the answer. These numbers probably capture students heading to graduate school, gap years, or unpaid research positions rather than reflecting true career outcomes for Barnard neuroscience grads. With an 8% admission rate and 1500 average SAT, these students have options that don't show up in first-year earnings data.
The concerning part isn't just the low starting salary—it's that this program ranks in the bottom quarter even among New York neuroscience programs, where the median is $32,076. Top NY programs like Fordham ($47,985) and Union College ($44,927) place their neuroscience grads nearly twice as high. The $17,491 debt load is manageable, but only if these earnings represent a temporary dip before graduate school rather than a pattern.
If your child is committed to a PhD or medical school track, these numbers may not matter—first-year earnings are a poor proxy for neuroscience careers that require advanced degrees. But if there's any chance they'll enter the workforce directly after graduation, you're looking at a program that underperforms its peers significantly. Barnard's prestige doesn't translate to strong bachelor's-level neuroscience outcomes in this data. Before committing, get clarity on graduate school placement rates and whether most students leave with just a bachelor's degree.
Where Barnard College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all neurobiology and neurosciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Barnard College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Barnard College graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 11th percentile of all neurobiology and neurosciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Neurobiology and Neurosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard College | $24,569 | — | $17,491 | 0.71 |
| Fordham University | $47,985 | — | $26,917 | 0.56 |
| Union College | $44,927 | $57,779 | $24,989 | 0.56 |
| Vassar College | $41,752 | — | $16,000 | 0.38 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $33,893 | $60,240 | $27,000 | 0.80 |
| Syracuse University | $30,259 | — | $27,000 | 0.89 |
| National Median | $31,687 | — | $22,936 | 0.72 |
Other Neurobiology and Neurosciences Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordham University Bronx | $61,992 | $47,985 | $26,917 |
| Union College Schenectady | $66,456 | $44,927 | $24,989 |
| Vassar College Poughkeepsie | $67,805 | $41,752 | $16,000 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York | $69,045 | $33,893 | $27,000 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $30,259 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Barnard College, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.