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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,538 | $39,468* | — | $24,938* | — | |
| $60,156 | $48,125* | — | —* | — | |
| $59,076 | $46,993* | — | —* | — | |
| $64,320 | $44,687* | — | $8,300* | 0.19 | |
| $63,141 | $43,894* | $59,073 | $25,000* | 0.57 | |
| $62,080 | $39,842* | $52,713 | $27,000* | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $31,687* | — | $22,936* | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with neurobiology and neurosciences graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
Biologists
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.