Neuroscience at University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Neurobiology and Neurosciences
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,496
154% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Neuroscience at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 31/100, 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-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 Neuroscience 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 →