Neurobiology and Neurosciences at Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,830/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #88 of 97 Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs

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 $776K $751K $653K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,160
70% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,000
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,739
174% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,830 per year, Neurobiology and Neurosciences graduates from Vanderbilt University earn below the $32,455 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x 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 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $16,000 debt-to-$25,830 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #88 out of 97 programs, Vanderbilt University's financial outcomes for Neurobiology and Neurosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $25,830 to $70,739 over five years (174% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Vanderbilt University

With just 6% of applicants admitted, Vanderbilt University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 7,143 students in Nashville, TN. The average net cost of $76,160 over four years represents a 70% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Vanderbilt University →

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 Vanderbilt University's Neurobiology and Neurosciences program score?
This program scores 19/100 — 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.
Why are Neurobiology and Neurosciences earnings lower at Vanderbilt University?
Lower starting pay at Vanderbilt University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Neurobiology and Neurosciences at Vanderbilt University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $255,784, but the average net cost is $76,160 — a 70% 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 →