Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of Nebraska at Omaha

A $26,500 starting salary with a neuroscience degree raises immediate red flags—this lands in just the 23rd percentile nationally for the program, meaning three-quarters of similar programs produce better outcomes. The relatively modest $16,885 debt load helps soften the blow, but graduates are still facing first-year earnings that barely exceed what many entry-level positions pay without a degree. The 60th percentile ranking within Nebraska is misleading since only two schools in the state offer this program, making it less a mark of distinction and more a function of limited competition.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing dramatically year to year, but the pattern suggests this program may not provide the typical pathway to research positions or graduate school preparation that neuroscience students often expect. Many neuroscience graduates nationwide struggle with early earnings as they pursue additional training, but this program's performance sits well below even that modest benchmark.

For parents weighing this investment, understand that $26,500 represents a challenging starting point in a field that typically requires either graduate education or pivoting to adjacent careers in healthcare or research support. If your child is committed to neuroscience, they'll likely need to plan for either additional education (and debt) or accept that they're starting behind peers from stronger programs. The accessible nature of UNO—with its 87% admission rate—comes at a cost in post-graduation outcomes.