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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22,082 | $30,956 | $46,517 | $26,000 | 0.84 | |
| $66,104 | $39,880 | $85,126 | $12,000 | 0.30 | |
| $54,960 | $36,178 | $44,863 | $27,000 | 0.75 | |
| $60,240 | $29,250 | — | $27,000 | 0.92 | |
| $21,524 | $27,775 | $42,087 | $23,000 | 0.83 | |
| $52,309 | $25,057 | — | $27,000 | 1.08 | |
| 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 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.