Compare 19 Neuroscience. programs in the West. Average earnings: $45,774.
The highest-earning Neuroscience program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $50K earnings gap across 19 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Brigham Young University's Neuroscience program leads with graduates earning $73,566—$28K above the regional average of $45,774. UCLA follows at $61,875, while University of Colorado Boulder reaches $60,304. These outcomes prove program quality varies independently of school prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University graduates borrow $11,069 and face just a 3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $73,566 | 108 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #2 | $61,875 | 180 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $60,304 | 103 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | High | |
| #4 | University Of San DiegoPrivate | $56,690 | 76 | $22,940 | Good | $56,559 | High |
| #5 | $55,660 | 183 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $51,750 | 406 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $51,556 | 98 | $18,000 | Good | $31,803 | High | |
| #8 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $50,184 | 99 | $19,620 | Good | $30,126 | High |
| #9 | $48,249 | 64 | $16,666 | Good | $28,682 | High | |
| #10 | $47,147 | 92 | $18,922 | Good | $26,150 | High | |
| #11 | Thomas Aquinas CollegePrivate | $45,450 | 27 | $18,000 | Good | $0 | Good |
| #12 | $44,659 | 33 | $19,500 | Manageable | $29,968 | High | |
| #13 | $44,237 | 111 | $17,500 | Good | $18,275 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Pomona CollegePrivate | $39,967 | 22 | $11,782 | Good | $27,861 | High |
| #15 | Westminster UniversityPrivate | $37,735 | 14 | $22,250 | Challenging | $25,834 | High |
| #16 | $27,413 | 39 | $20,000 | High | $36,000 | High | |
| #17 | $25,194 | 37 | $18,500 | High | $23,123 | High | |
| #18 | $24,035 | 51 | $15,000 | High | $22,665 | High | |
| #19 | $24,035 | 66 | $14,615 | High | $24,883 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
