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Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,034/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #45 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 $699K $681K $602K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 11.7x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.8x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,496
154% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,034 place University of California-Santa Cruz below the $32,455 national median for Neurobiology and Neurosciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Neurobiology and Neurosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $25,034/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #45 ranking among 97 Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs places University of California-Santa Cruz in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $25,034-to-$63,496 earnings arc over five years reflects a 154% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

A 63% admission rate makes University of California-Santa Cruz accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 17,812 students in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

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

Compare this program → View all 97 schools offering Neurobiology and Neurosciences →

Neurobiology and Neurosciences at Other Schools

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($48,125) Fordham University ($47,985) Harvard University ($46,993) Macalester College ($45,450) Union College ($44,927) Trinity College ($44,823) Wellesley College ($44,687) Middlebury College ($44,585)

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz

Computer Engineering ($79,969) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,842) Computer Science ($75,150) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($55,856) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($55,773) Business/Managerial Economics ($52,029) Economics ($50,518) Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($45,088)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Neurobiology and Neurosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Neurobiology and Neurosciences at University of California-Santa Cruz?
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-Santa Cruz a good choice for Neurobiology and Neurosciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Santa Cruz'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 →