Neuroscience at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Neurobiology and Neurosciences
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,818/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,400 openings/yr)
ROI 6.6x earnings multiple (2.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #84 of 97 Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs

Program Analysis

The initial earnings for UCI's Neurobiology and Neurosciences program often reflect a common trajectory in highly specialized scientific fields: a significant proportion of graduates pursue advanced degrees immediately after their bachelor's. Many undergraduates are building foundations for medical school, PhD programs in neuroscience, or other health professional schools. This means their early post-graduation years are spent in further education or lower-paying entry-level research assistant roles within academic labs or biotech startups across the vibrant Southern California corridor, rather than high-earning positions. The strong research focus at UCI prepares you exceptionally well for these rigorous paths. Understand that the listed high-earning career outcomes typically materialize after significant post-baccalaureate investment. To maximize your return, actively seek out research internships, network with faculty and local biotech companies, and clearly define your post-graduation education or career plan early on.

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 $365K $376K $378K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.4x 6.6x 6.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.0x 2.1x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,948
Out-of-state: $180,056 (2.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,360
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of California-Irvine

Admission to University of California-Irvine is competitive, with 26% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 29,494 students in Irvine, CA.

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Neuroscience at University of California-Irvine?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Neuroscience programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Neuroscience at University of California-Irvine?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of California-Irvine a good choice for Neuroscience despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Irvine's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →