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Best Schools for Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science graduates earn a median of $39,314 within two years of graduation, ranking #121 out of 292 tracked majors — 11% above the median across all fields. There are 14 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 851 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Stanford University graduates earn $92,632 while University of Delaware graduates earn $19,812 — a $72,820 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

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.

14
Schools
$39,314
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#121
of 292 Majors
851
Graduates

Public vs Private: Cognitive Science

Public (9 schools)
$33,766
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (5 schools)
$49,302
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $15,536 more in early earnings on average for Cognitive Science graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Cognitive Science by State

California
6 schools
$47,507
Massachusetts
2 schools
$38,289
Pennsylvania
1 schools
$52,107
Indiana
1 schools
$33,993
Virginia
1 schools
$33,993
Maryland
1 schools
$25,194
Georgia
1 schools
$23,693
Delaware
1 schools
$19,812

Top Cognitive Science Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
S

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private

$92,632
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 3.9%
#2
U

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$52,107
2yr Earnings
1yr: $60,724
Grads: 33
Acceptance: 5.9%
#3
U

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$48,667
2yr Earnings
1yr: $62,295
Grads: 246
Acceptance: 11.7%
#4
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr: $43,778
Grads: 46
Acceptance: 8.7%
#5
U

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$41,870
2yr Earnings
1yr: $39,060
Grads: 254
Acceptance: 24.5%
#6
T

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr: $43,242
Grads: 22
Acceptance: 10.1%
#7
S

Simmons University

Boston, MA · Private

$37,208
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 66.0%
#8
I

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.4%
#9
U

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr: $31,726
Grads: 57
Acceptance: 16.9%
#10
U

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

$30,228
2yr Earnings
1yr: $33,286
Grads: 72
Acceptance: 62.5%
#11
U

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

$28,960
2yr Earnings
1yr: $27,909
Grads: 49
Acceptance: 39.2%
#12
J

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · Private

$25,194
2yr Earnings
1yr: $20,134
Grads: 21
Acceptance: 7.6%
#13
U

University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public

$23,693
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 37.2%
#14
U

University of Delaware

Newark, DE · Public

$19,812
2yr Earnings
1yr: $21,268
Grads: 51
Acceptance: 65.1%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Business/Corporate Communications $39,779 Pharmacology and Toxicology $39,768 Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other $39,662 Public Policy Analysis $39,378 City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning $39,368 Architectural History and Criticism $39,230

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Cognitive Science?
Stanford University ranks #1 for Cognitive Science with median graduate earnings of $92,632 within two years. There are 14 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Cognitive Science graduates earn?
Cognitive Science graduates earn an average of $39,314 within two years of graduation. This is 11% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $19,812 to $92,632 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 31.4%. 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 $49,302 in early earnings vs $33,766 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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