Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,250
37th percentile
40th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$27,000
18% above national median

Analysis

The limited data here—fewer than 30 graduates—makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions, but the available numbers suggest Muhlenberg's neuroscience program may struggle with post-graduation earnings. At $29,250, first-year earnings fall below both the Pennsylvania median ($30,103) and national average ($31,687), landing in just the 37th percentile nationally. Among Pennsylvania's 31 neuroscience programs, Penn graduates earn $39,880 and even regional schools like Temple produce higher starting salaries. The bright spot is remarkably low debt: at $27,000, Muhlenberg matches the state median and sits in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 is manageable but not impressive for a science degree, especially from a selective school (average SAT 1327). Neuroscience graduates often pursue advanced degrees where these bachelor's-level earnings don't tell the full story, but if your student plans to work immediately after graduation, understand they'll likely start below $30,000. The low debt provides flexibility for graduate school without crushing financial pressure, which may be this program's real advantage. Given the small sample size, talk directly with recent graduates about their outcomes before making a final decision.

Where Muhlenberg College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all neurobiology and neurosciences bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Muhlenberg College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Neurobiology and Neurosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (31 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Muhlenberg CollegeAllentown$60,240$29,250$27,0000.92
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$39,880$85,126$12,0000.30
Allegheny CollegeMeadville$54,960$36,178$44,863$27,0000.75
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$30,956$46,517$26,0000.84
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh$21,524$27,775$42,087$23,0000.83
University of ScrantonScranton$52,309$25,057$27,0001.08
National Median$31,687$22,9360.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with neurobiology and neurosciences graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

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

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

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.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

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

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Biological Technicians

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.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Bioinformatics Scientists

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Geneticists

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Biologists

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

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 Muhlenberg College, approximately 21% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.