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Biological Sciences · Neuroscience Rank #92 of 97

Neuroscienceat Loyola University Chicago

Graduates earn $26,251/yr in their first year — about 19.0% below the national Neuroscience average. Base-case 10-year earnings $401K; scenarios range from $396K to $391K depending on AI disruption.

Chicago, IL Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
17 AT RISK
18
Optimistic
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,251
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.3x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$401K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
53% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Loyola University Chicago

Studying Neurobiology and Neurosciences here presents a unique challenge, primarily because a bachelor's degree in this demanding field often isn't sufficient for the high-earning career paths frequently associated with "neuroscience" in the broader sense. The listed roles like medical scientists or managers typically require extensive postgraduate education, often a Ph.D. or M.D., plus years of specialized experience. Graduates holding only a B.S. often find themselves in entry-level lab technician roles, which, while valuable, may not align with initial salary expectations. The Chicago area offers opportunities in biotech and research hospitals, but competition is fierce, and these institutions often prioritize candidates from programs with deep research integration or those holding advanced degrees. If you're drawn to this fascinating field, recognize that significant further investment in education beyond your undergraduate degree is almost certainly necessary to unlock its full career potential. Focus heavily on gaining research experience during your studies to improve your prospects for graduate school admission.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$396K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple1.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$401K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score17/100
Earnings Multiple1.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$391K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple1.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Loyola University Chicago's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Neuroscience graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
3
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
4
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
5
Biological technicians
+3.5% 10-yr growth · 9,100 openings/yr
$52,000/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Neuroscience

How Loyola University Chicago stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA · Private nonprofit
35
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
1.0x
ROI
Fordham University
NY · Private nonprofit
35
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
Top score
Harvard University
MA · Private nonprofit
40
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
Macalester College
MN · Private nonprofit
34
DW Score
$45K
1-yr earn
0.8x
ROI
Union College
NY · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$45K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Also at Loyola University Chicago

Other top programs at Loyola University Chicago

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Loyola University Chicago, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Neuroscience at Loyola University Chicago

How does Loyola University Chicago's Neuroscience program score?

This program scores 17/100 — on the lower end for Neuroscience. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Neuroscience to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Neuroscience 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 Neuroscience earnings lower at Loyola University Chicago?

Lower starting pay at Loyola University Chicago may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.