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Best Value Neurobiology and Neurosciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Swarthmore College offers the lowest net cost for neurobiology programs in Pennsylvania at $18,686, yet graduates from Ursinus College earn $33,281 annually,the highest in the state. This $14,595 cost difference highlights how private liberal arts colleges can vary dramatically in both price and career outcomes. Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates strong demand for neuroscience graduates across research, clinical, and industry roles. The state's 15 neurobiology programs span from highly selective institutions like Penn with its 6.50% acceptance rate to more accessible options like Wilkes University accepting 94.14% of applicants. Public universities like Temple and Pitt offer middle-ground net costs around $29,000, while graduation rates range from 43.50% at Thiel College to an impressive 96.80% at Penn. Students benefit from Pennsylvania's established biomedical research infrastructure, including connections to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and various pharmaceutical companies in the greater Philadelphia region.
31
Programs
$12,251 – $40,690
Net Price Range
$27,258
Avg. Program Earnings
74.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Neurobiology and Neurosciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $21,900 $30,771 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
2 $30,485 $33,281 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
3 $29,219 $31,133 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
4 $32,496 $32,563 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
5 $31,229 $29,685 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
6 $30,074 $21,964 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
7 $33,549 $23,113 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
8 $30,314 $15,552 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
9 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
10 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
11 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
12 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
13 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
14 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
15 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
16 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
17 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
18 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
19 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
20 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
21 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
22 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
23 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
24 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
25 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
26 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
27 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
28 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
29 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
30 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
31 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $16,801 difference between the lowest and highest net costs?

Swarthmore College's net cost of $18,686 reflects its strong financial aid program despite a $62,412 sticker price, while Saint Joseph's University charges $35,487 after aid. Private colleges with large endowments can offer more generous need-based aid. The gap also reflects different institutional priorities, with some schools investing more heavily in student financial support than others.

How do earnings compare between public and private neurobiology programs?

Private college graduates generally earn more, with Ursinus leading at $33,281 and Lafayette close behind at $32,563. Public university graduates from Temple earn $31,133, while Pitt graduates start at $21,964. The $11,317 earnings gap suggests that smaller private colleges may provide better networking opportunities or more personalized research experiences that employers value.

Is Penn worth the higher net cost given its 96.80% graduation rate?

Penn's $31,229 net cost falls in the middle range despite its elite status, thanks to generous financial aid. The 96.80% graduation rate significantly exceeds the state average, and graduates benefit from Ivy League networking and research opportunities. However, Penn graduates earn $29,685 annually, which ranks below several other Pennsylvania schools in starting salary data.

Where can students find the best combination of low debt and strong outcomes?

Penn offers the lowest student debt at $12,000 with excellent graduation rates, making it ideal for students who can gain admission. Pitt provides reasonable debt levels at $21,500 with solid employment prospects in Pennsylvania's healthcare sector. Allegheny College combines a moderate $21,900 net cost with manageable $27,000 debt levels and decent graduation rates at 66.50%.

Does Pennsylvania's job market justify the program costs?

Pennsylvania's healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors create steady demand for neuroscience graduates, particularly around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. UPMC alone employs thousands in research and clinical roles, while pharmaceutical companies offer industry positions. However, starting salaries ranging from $15,552 to $33,281 suggest students should carefully consider program costs relative to early career earning potential in the region.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.