Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,956
46th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$26,000
13% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.84
Manageable
Sample Size
69
Adequate data

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

Temple UniversityOther neurobiology and neurosciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Temple University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all neurobiology and neurosciences bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Temple University$30,956$46,517$26,0000.84
University of Pennsylvania$39,880$85,126$12,0000.30
Allegheny College$36,178$44,863$27,0000.75
Muhlenberg College$29,250—$27,0000.92
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus$27,775$42,087$23,0000.83
University of Scranton$25,057—$27,0001.08
National Median$31,687—$22,9360.72

Other Neurobiology and Neurosciences Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
$66,104$39,880$12,000
Allegheny College
Meadville
$54,960$36,178$27,000
Muhlenberg College
Allentown
$60,240$29,250$27,000
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh
$21,524$27,775$23,000
University of Scranton
Scranton
$52,309$25,057$27,000

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.