Cognitive Science
Salary data, best schools, and honest ROI assessment
Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)
Best Schools for Cognitive Science by Earnings
| # | School | 4yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University PA · Private | $162,106 |
| 2 | Stanford University CA · Private | $131,650 |
| 3 | Tufts University MA · Private | $130,801 |
| 4 | University of California-Berkeley CA · Public | $120,193 |
| 5 | University of Pennsylvania PA · Private | $109,784 |
| 6 | University of California-Los Angeles CA · Public | $102,066 |
| 7 | University of Southern California CA · Private | $93,440 |
| 8 | University of Virginia-Main Campus VA · Public | $83,554 |
| 9 | University of California-San Diego CA · Public | $81,160 |
| 10 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor MI · Public | $79,016 |
| 11 | Occidental College CA · Private | $78,782 |
| 12 | State University of New York at Oswego NY · Public | $76,118 |
| 13 | University of California-Santa Cruz CA · Public | $72,125 |
| 14 | University of Georgia GA · Public | $69,169 |
| 15 | University of California-Davis CA · Public | $68,463 |
| 16 | Washington University in St Louis MO · Private | $67,212 |
| 17 | Rice University TX · Private | $66,913 |
| 18 | University of Delaware DE · Public | $66,716 |
| 19 | University of California-Merced CA · Public | $51,147 |
School-by-school analysis: Cognitive Science
Editorial breakdowns of how cognitive science graduates fare at the top-earning programs in our dataset.
Cognitive Science at Stanford has first-year earnings of $105,695 and four-year earnings of $131,650, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.076. The program sits at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, and computer science, and Stanford's location and research environment channel graduates into AI, user research, product management, and human-computer interaction roles. The 83 graduates per year have access to Stanford's tech-industry connections, which elevates earnings well above what most cognitive science graduates from other institutions earn. The A grade reflects that the Stanford environment converts an interdisciplinary degree into high-value career outcomes.
Cognitive Science had 33 graduates at $75,672 year-one and $130,801 year-four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.238 (ROI grade A). This interdisciplinary program, combining neuroscience, CS, and linguistics, feeds into tech, AI research, and clinical neuroscience graduate programs. The $130,801 four-year figure reflects graduates who have advanced into specialized tech or research roles where cognitive science training creates premium value.
Cognitive Science (722 graduates) earns a B grade: $39,839 year-one and $81,160 year-four with $17,481 median debt and a ratio of 0.439. Cognitive Science is UCSD's largest non-engineering Scorecard program. The year-one figure is modest but the four-year jump to $81k is substantial, reflecting graduates who move into technology product management, UX research, data analysis, and graduate programs. UCSD's cognitive science program is one of the strongest in the country.
Is Cognitive Science Worth It?
The Numbers Support This Major
Cognitive Science delivers above-average financial returns. Average earnings of $56,262 four years out put graduates in a strong position to handle student debt and build wealth. The ROI is solid, though school choice and specialization within the field matter.
This is a more specialized field, offered at 23 schools in our dataset. Fewer options means less room to optimize on cost, so pay close attention to the financial aid packages you receive.
The top school for this major by earnings is Carnegie Mellon University, where graduates earn $162,106 four years out. But averages hide a wide range - where you attend and what you do with the degree matter as much as the major itself.
Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.