Compare 105 Neuroscience. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $52,355. Top programs: $143,067+.
The highest-earning Neuroscience program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $127K earnings gap across 105 programs—from $16K to $143K—the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Where you study neuroscience matters far more than the name on the diploma.
Topping the list, Dartmouth College's Neuroscience program delivers $143K in median earnings—nearly three times the $52K field average. The gap doesn't stop at the top: Middlebury College (#2, $91K) and USC (#3, $89K) both outpace many better-known research universities. Program selection, not school prestige, explains the spread.
Dartmouth's Neuroscience graduates borrow just $17,500 in student loans and face a 2.0% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments are trivial relative to post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, Dartmouth still leads with a 7.8% combined burden, also rated 'Excellent.' [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dartmouth CollegePrivate | $143,067 | 40 | $17,500 | Excellent | $44,481 | Excellent |
| #2 | Middlebury CollegePrivate | $90,917 | 48 | $13,857 | Excellent | $27,380 | Good |
| #3 | $89,203 | 121 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Good | |
| #4 | King's CollegePrivate | $83,705 | 12 | $27,000 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable |
| #5 | $78,722 | 34 | $26,814 | Excellent | $36,545 | Manageable | |
| #6 | University Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $78,295 | 132 | $15,715 | Excellent | $33,124 | Manageable |
| #7 | Binghamton UniversityPublic | $77,478 | 237 | $18,500 | Excellent | $27,270 | Manageable |
| #8 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $74,617 | 118 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Manageable |
| #9 | $74,151 | 112 | $19,509 | Excellent | $32,850 | Manageable | |
| #10 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $73,795 | 167 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Manageable |
| #11 | $73,316 | 45 | $27,000 | Excellent | $23,103 | Manageable | |
| #12 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $73,140 | 96 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Manageable |
| #13 | University Of San DiegoPrivate | $72,910 | 100 | $22,940 | Excellent | $56,559 | Challenging |
| #14 | $71,942 | 145 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $70,244 | 81 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $69,027 | 62 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Manageable | |
| #17 | Boston UniversityPrivate | $68,888 | 147 | $23,250 | Excellent | $39,000 | Challenging |
| #18 | Union CollegePrivate | $68,666 | 31 | $25,337 | Excellent | $57,000 | High |
| #19 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $68,546 | 70 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Manageable |
| #20 | $68,480 | 260 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #21 | Brandeis UniversityPrivate | $68,179 | 60 | $25,648 | Excellent | $35,451 | Challenging |
| #22 | Trinity CollegePrivate | $67,115 | 26 | $23,000 | Excellent | $60,796 | High |
| #23 | University Of St ThomasPrivate | $66,868 | 36 | $23,250 | Excellent | $24,467 | Manageable |
| #24 | Barnard CollegePrivate | $66,787 | 40 | $18,000 | Excellent | $65,000 | High |
| #25 | Carthage CollegePrivate | $65,733 | 24 | $26,000 | Good | $42,940 | Challenging |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
