Best Cognitive Science Schools in California

California has 9 colleges offering Cognitive Science programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 753 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $47,507 on average within two years — 21% above the national average of $39,314, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Stanford University graduates earn $92,632 while University of California-Merced graduates earn $28,960 — a $63,672 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in CA

$47,507

CA Avg. Earnings

$39,314

National Avg.

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Cognitive Science in California

Public Schools (6)

$38,481

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$92,632

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $54,151 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Cognitive Science Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private

$92,632

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 3.9%

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$48,667

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $62,295

Graduates: 246

Acceptance: 11.7%

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,778

Graduates: 46

Acceptance: 8.7%

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,368

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 10.0%

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$41,870

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,060

Graduates: 254

Acceptance: 24.5%

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,243

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 39.9%

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

$30,228

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,286

Graduates: 72

Acceptance: 62.5%

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,727

Graduates: 46

Acceptance: 41.6%

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

$28,960

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,909

Graduates: 49

Acceptance: 39.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Cognitive Science in California?

Stanford University ranks #1 for Cognitive Science in California with median graduate earnings of $92,632 within two years of graduation. There are 9 schools offering Cognitive Science programs in the state.

How much do Cognitive Science graduates earn in California?

Cognitive Science graduates in California earn an average of $47,507 within two years of graduation. This is 21% above the national average of $39,314 for this major.

What is the hardest Cognitive Science school to get into in California?

Stanford University is the most selective Cognitive Science program in California with an acceptance rate of 3.9%. The average acceptance rate across Cognitive Science programs in the state is 26.9%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Cognitive Science in California?

In California, private Cognitive Science programs produce average earnings of $92,632 vs $38,481 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Computer Science $72,889 Computer Engineering $72,447 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $71,074 Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,388

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Cognitive Science in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.