Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,956
46th percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$26,000
13% above national median

Analysis

Temple's neurobiology program stands out for its trajectory rather than its starting line. While first-year earnings of $31,000 land near the national median, graduates see a 50% jump to $46,500 by year four—significantly outpacing the typical growth pattern for this field. Among Pennsylvania's neuroscience programs, this places Temple in the 60th percentile despite serving a less affluent student population than Penn or the liberal arts colleges that dominate the state's rankings.

The $26,000 debt load sits below both state and national averages, creating a manageable burden even during that modest first year. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84 means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—reasonable for a science degree that typically requires graduate work for career advancement. That strong year-four earning figure suggests Temple grads are successfully transitioning into research positions, pharmaceutical roles, or graduate programs with stipends.

For families weighing Temple's accessible admission against pricier Pennsylvania alternatives, the numbers tell a clear story: you're trading a higher starting salary for substantial upward momentum and lower debt. If your student plans to pursue further education in medicine or research—as most neuroscience majors do—Temple provides solid preparation without the financial strain that could complicate graduate school decisions.

Where Temple University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Temple University$30,956$46,517+50%
University of Pennsylvania$39,880$85,126+113%
Vanderbilt University$25,830$78,554+204%
Allegheny College$36,178$44,863+24%
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus$27,775$42,087+52%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$30,956$46,517$26,0000.84
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$39,880$85,126$12,0000.30
Allegheny CollegeMeadville$54,960$36,178$44,863$27,0000.75
Muhlenberg CollegeAllentown$60,240$29,250—$27,0000.92
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 Temple 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.

Sample Size: Based on 69 graduates with reported earnings and 123 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.