Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's neuroscience program starts graduates at $26,000—well below both the $31,000 national median and the $30,500 Illinois average. That 40th percentile state ranking means six other Illinois programs launch their graduates with better immediate earnings. The silver lining? At $17,500, the debt load here is notably lighter than typical neuroscience programs, which average $23,000 nationally and $25,000 in Illinois. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 means graduates can realistically manage their payments even on that modest starting salary.

The dramatic earnings jump tells a familiar story for pre-health students: many neuroscience majors spend that first year in gap-year positions or graduate school prep before moving into better-paying roles. By year four, the median climbs to $55,000—likely reflecting graduates who've completed medical school prerequisites, earned master's degrees, or landed research positions. This trajectory explains why the program ranks below more career-focused competitors like University of Chicago and Northwestern, which place graduates directly into higher-paying entry roles.

For families whose children plan to continue education after graduation, this represents solid value—manageable debt with room to invest in advanced degrees. But if your student wants immediate career earnings, they're looking at several lean years before the payoff materializes. UIC's large Pell grant population (50%) also suggests many students here need earlier financial returns, making this path challenging for those without family support during extended training.