Compare 5 Cognitive Science. programs in the South. Average earnings: $53,295.
Cognitive Science programs produce graduates earning between $25,194 and $86,577—a $61K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 5 ranked programs in the South, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Rice University's Cognitive Science program leads with graduates earning $86,577, well above the $53,295 regional average. The University of Delaware follows at $60,086, while the University of Georgia produces graduates earning $55,867—proving that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Rice graduates borrow $11,000 and face just a 2.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. At Georgia, students borrow $18,500 with a 7.6% burden—still excellent, proving that top programs can also be affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rice UniversityPrivate | $86,577 | 45 | $11,000 | Excellent | $35,338 | Good |
| #2 | University Of DelawarePublic | $60,086 | 65 | $24,572 | Good | $43,000 | High |
| #3 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $55,867 | 47 | $18,500 | Excellent | $20,855 | Manageable |
| #4 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $38,752 | 47 | $14,000 | Good | $30,844 | High |
| #5 | Johns Hopkins UniversityPrivate | $25,194 | 32 | $10,250 | High | $29,048 | 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 →
