Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,081/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 97 Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Neurobiology and Neurosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $702K $683K $604K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.2x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.7x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,515
117% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,081/yr, Neurobiology and Neurosciences graduates from University of California-San Diego land near the $32,455 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Neurobiology and Neurosciences's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $32,081 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #13 of 97 nationally, this is a top-5% Neurobiology and Neurosciences program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $69,515 show a 117% jump from the $32,081 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-San Diego

A 25% acceptance rate puts University of California-San Diego in competitive admissions territory, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Neurobiology and Neurosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of California-San Diego?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Neurobiology and Neurosciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Neurobiology and Neurosciences careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $603,597 in decade earnings vs $702,272 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of California-San Diego's Neurobiology and Neurosciences program stand out?
Ranked #13 of 97 programs nationally, University of California-San Diego lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →