Analysis
University of Delaware's neuroscience program produces graduates earning $31,854 one year out—essentially matching the national median for this degree. That might sound underwhelming for a science major, but it's typical for neuroscience bachelor's graduates, who often need graduate school to access higher-paying research or clinical roles. The $25,024 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio, below the debt levels seen at two-thirds of comparable programs nationwide.
The real question is whether your student plans to continue their education. Neuroscience is fundamentally a stepping-stone degree: these graduates typically pursue medical school, PhD programs, or other advanced training where the career payoff comes later. For pre-med students or those headed to graduate school, Delaware provides solid preparation at a reasonable debt load. For students hoping to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, however, these earnings suggest limited options—lab technician roles and research assistant positions dominate the entry-level landscape, and this program's outcomes won't change that reality.
If graduate school is the plan, Delaware's lower debt burden makes it a sensible launching point. If your child wants a bachelor's degree that leads directly to better-paying work, consider programs like nursing or engineering instead.
Where University of Delaware Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all neurobiology and neurosciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Delaware graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Neurobiology and Neurosciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,080 | $31,854 | — | $25,024 | 0.79 | |
| $60,156 | $48,125 | — | — | — | |
| $61,992 | $47,985 | — | $26,917 | 0.56 | |
| $59,076 | $46,993 | — | — | — | |
| $64,908 | $45,450 | — | $24,177 | 0.53 | |
| $66,456 | $44,927 | $57,779 | $24,989 | 0.56 | |
| 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 University of Delaware, approximately 16% 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 63 graduates with reported earnings and 82 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.