Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,468
Est. from MA median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,938
Est. from MA median (10 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable neuroscience programs across Massachusetts, Simmons graduates can expect first-year earnings around $39,500—right at the state median but well above the $31,700 national figure. The estimated $24,900 in debt translates to a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly eight months of gross income to cover what's borrowed. For context, MIT and Harvard neuroscience grads earn 20-30% more in their first year, but Simmons' more selective admission profile and nearly identical outcomes to programs like Wheaton suggest reasonable competitiveness within the Boston market.

The challenge with neuroscience bachelor's degrees is that many career paths require graduate training—medical school, PhD programs, or specialized master's degrees—which means these first-year figures may reflect transitional positions or lab technician roles rather than ultimate career trajectories. If your child plans to pursue advanced degrees immediately, these earnings represent a brief snapshot before additional education costs. If they're entering the workforce directly, peer program data suggests Boston-area opportunities exist, but at salary levels that require careful budgeting.

The bottom line: Simmons appears positioned solidly in the middle of Massachusetts neuroscience programs, with debt levels that shouldn't become crushing even at median salaries. However, the small graduate cohort means we're working with statewide estimates rather than school-specific outcomes—your child's experience could vary significantly based on their post-graduation pathway and how effectively they leverage Boston's biotech corridor.

Where Simmons University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Neurobiology and Neurosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Simmons UniversityBoston$45,538$39,468*—$24,938*—
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge$60,156$48,125*——*—
Harvard UniversityCambridge$59,076$46,993*——*—
Wellesley CollegeWellesley$64,320$44,687*—$8,300*0.19
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$43,894*$59,073$25,000*0.57
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)Norton$62,080$39,842*$52,713$27,000*0.68
National Median—$31,687*—$22,936*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Simmons University, approximately 30% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.