Compare 8 Cognitive Science. programs in California. Average earnings: $62,136.
Cognitive Science programs produce graduates earning between $34,295 and $92,632—a $58K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 8 ranked programs in California, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Stanford's Cognitive Science program leads with graduates earning $92,632, closely followed by UC Berkeley at $91,715. The average across all programs is $62,136, but the data reveals California's public universities competing directly with private institutions—UC San Diego produces graduates earning $67,751 with a much larger cohort of 632 students.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Stanford graduates borrow $12,000 and face just a 2.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, UC Berkeley leads with a 9.1% family burden, still rated 'Good'—proof that top programs can also be affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Stanford UniversityPrivate | $92,632 | 106 | $12,000 | Excellent | $38,333 | Good |
| #2 | $91,715 | 345 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good | |
| #3 | $67,751 | 632 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $62,158 | 181 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $59,051 | 143 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $47,142 | 61 | $16,144 | Good | $18,376 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $42,342 | 140 | $13,000 | Good | $25,733 | High | |
| #8 | $34,295 | 61 | $18,000 | Challenging | $31,803 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
