Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of California-Davis

UC Davis's neuroscience program sits right at California's median for earnings, but graduates carry significantly less debt than peers across the state—just $13,000 compared to the state median of $19,500. That low debt burden paired with a 0.44 debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio creates a manageable financial starting point, even though initial earnings of $29,765 trail slightly behind the national median.

The program's strength emerges over time. Four years out, median earnings jump 74% to $51,750, pulling ahead of what you'd expect from a program that ranks at the 40th percentile nationally. This trajectory suggests graduates are successfully positioning themselves for graduate programs or research roles that take a few years to materialize—common in neuroscience career paths. While top California programs like Pomona and USC show stronger immediate earnings, UC Davis delivers comparable long-term outcomes at a fraction of the debt cost.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether your student plans to pursue advanced degrees. If so, graduating with minimal debt while building a foundation for medical school, PhD programs, or clinical research makes this a pragmatic choice. The solid four-year earnings indicate UC Davis neuroscience graduates are finding their footing, even if the path requires patience in those first few years.