Neuroscience at Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Neurobiology and Neurosciences
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,727/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #65 of 97 Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs

Program Analysis

A Smith Neurobiology and Neurosciences degree typically prepares you for advanced study or specialized research roles, reflecting the demanding nature of the field and Smith's rigorous academic environment. Your strong foundational science education, combined with the college's emphasis on critical thinking and research, positions you well for graduate programs (MD, PhD) or entry into biotech firms and research institutions. The proximity to Boston's robust life sciences sector provides valuable internship and career opportunities, enhancing post-graduation prospects. While the "high AI risk" might seem concerning, it primarily signals an evolution in the field, not an elimination. Future success hinges on mastering experimental design, critical interpretation of complex data, and interdisciplinary collaboration – skills AI can augment but not replace. Focus on gaining extensive hands-on research experience and exploring computational neuroscience or data science applications to future-proof your career.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Neuroscience graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $455K $458K $438K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$246,272
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$104,724
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,558
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings

About Smith College

Smith College accepts 20% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 2,501 in Northampton, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $104,724 — 57% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Smith College →

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

Neuroscience at Other Schools

Other Majors at Smith College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Smith College's Neuroscience program score?
This program scores 27/100 — 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.
How affordable is Neuroscience at Smith College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $246,272, but the average net cost is $104,724 — a 57% 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 →