Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,063/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #32 of 97 Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs Top 50%

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 $748K $725K $634K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,242
106% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,063/yr, edging above the $32,455 national average for Neurobiology and Neurosciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $14,000 in median debt against $38,063 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #32 out of 97 programs, University of Southern California's Neurobiology and Neurosciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $38,063 to $78,242 over five years (106% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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

How does University of Southern California's Neurobiology and Neurosciences program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Neurobiology and Neurosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Neurobiology and Neurosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Neurobiology and Neurosciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of Southern California after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →