Neurobiology and Neurosciences at The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas neuroscience graduates start slow—well below both national and Texas medians—but the 55% earnings jump by year four tells a different story. That first-year figure of $25,395 likely reflects graduates pursuing research positions, grad school preparation, or healthcare roles that require additional training. By year four, earnings reach $39,444, surpassing the national median and placing graduates on competitive footing with peers from UT Austin.

The debt picture offers real advantage here: $19,611 is roughly $5,000 below what Texas neuroscience students typically borrow and keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable even during that slower first year. While UT Dallas ranks middle-of-the-pack among Texas programs initially (40th percentile), the strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates are successfully launching careers in research, pharmaceuticals, or clinical settings after that initial lower-earning period.

The key question is whether your child can handle two or three years of modest income while building toward better compensation. If they're headed to medical school or a PhD program anyway, that first-year number is irrelevant. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation in a neuroscience-related field, expect patience to pay off—but have a plan for those early years when earnings lag behind what engineering or business majors are making right out of the gate.