Best Schools for Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science graduates earn a median of $90,021 within four years of graduating, ranking #122 out of 283 tracked majors — 44% above the median across all fields. There are 22 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 994 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $162,106 while University of California-Merced graduates earn $51,147 — a $110,959 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is modest: Cognitive Science graduates see an average -2% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$90,021

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#122

of 283 Majors

994

Graduates

Public vs Private: Cognitive Science

Public (12 schools)

$79,066

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (10 schools)

$105,086

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $26,020 more in early earnings on average for Cognitive Science graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Cognitive Science by State

Top Cognitive Science Schools by Graduate Earnings

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

$162,106

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 11.4%

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private

$131,650

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

2yr: $92,632 (14)

Acceptance: 3.9%

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private

$130,801

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

2yr: $39,369 (13)

1yr: $43,242 (22)

Acceptance: 10.1%

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$93,440

4yr Earnings

27 grads · small sample

1yr: $49,368 (19)

Acceptance: 10.0%

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$78,782

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

1yr: $38,243 (21)

Acceptance: 39.9%

#12

State University of New York at Oswego

Oswego, NY · Public

$76,118

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 80.4%

#13

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public

$69,169

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

2yr: $23,693 (24)

Acceptance: 37.2%

#15

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private

$67,212

4yr Earnings

21 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 12.0%

#17

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

$66,913

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

1yr: $42,585 (19)

Acceptance: 7.9%

#18

University of Delaware

Newark, DE · Public

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

Simmons University

Boston, MA · Private

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · Public

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · Private

$25,194

2yr Earnings

21 grads · small sample

1yr: $20,134 (21)

Grads: 21

Acceptance: 7.6%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Pharmacology and Toxicology $39,768 Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other $39,662 Computer Software and Media Applications $39,431 Health and Medical Administrative Services $39,420 City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning $39,368 Public Policy Analysis $39,300

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Cognitive Science?

Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 for Cognitive Science with median graduate earnings of $162,106 within four years of graduating. There are 22 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Cognitive Science graduates earn?

Cognitive Science graduates earn an average of $90,021 within four years of graduating. This is 44% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $51,147 to $162,106 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Cognitive Science program?

The average acceptance rate across Cognitive Science programs is 30.0%. The most selective program is at Stanford University with a 3.9% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Cognitive Science?

Private Cognitive Science programs average $105,086 in early earnings vs $79,066 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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