Analysis
UVM's neuroscience program costs less than most competitors but lags behind other Vermont options. While graduates carry $19,650 in debt—about 21% below the national median—their first-year earnings of $34,547 fall short of Vermont's state median of $39,566 for this program. That 40th percentile ranking among Vermont schools matters because most students attend in-state, where UVM can't match the outcomes at nearby Middlebury College ($44,585). Still, the 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, and graduates do see steady 17% income growth over four years.
The question is whether $34,547 represents a launching pad or a ceiling. Many neuroscience graduates pursue additional education—medical school, PhD programs, or master's degrees—which could explain why these numbers sit below Vermont's typical outcomes for this major. If your student plans graduate school, the relatively modest debt load becomes an advantage. If they're heading straight to work, though, they'll start $5,000 behind their state peers.
For families prioritizing affordability and planning for graduate education, UVM works. For those expecting strong immediate returns from a bachelor's degree alone, the state comparison reveals better options exist in Vermont—though they may come with higher sticker prices or tougher admissions.
Where University of Vermont Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all neurobiology and neurosciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Vermont graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Vermont | $34,547 | $40,568 | +17% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $39,880 | $85,126 | +113% |
| Vanderbilt University | $25,830 | $78,554 | +204% |
| Brigham Young University | $27,986 | $73,566 | +163% |
| Middlebury College | $44,585 | $46,749 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Vermont
Neurobiology and Neurosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Vermont (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,890 | $34,547 | $40,568 | $19,650 | 0.57 | |
| $65,280 | $44,585 | $46,749 | $11,900 | 0.27 | |
| 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 Vermont, approximately 13% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.