Compare 22 Cognitive Science. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $78,046. Top programs: $162,106+.
Cognitive Science programs produce graduates earning between $34K and $162K—a $128K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 22 ranked programs, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The average graduate earns $78K, but where you land within that range depends on which program you choose, not simply which school's name appears on your diploma.
Carnegie Mellon University's Cognitive Science program leads the rankings, with graduates earning $162K—more than double the $78K national average across these 22 programs. Stanford ($132K) and Tufts ($131K) follow closely, while UC Berkeley's public program delivers $120K at a net price of just $5,311. That a public institution ranks fourth by earnings underscores the core point: prestige rankings and program outcomes tell different stories.
Earnings alone don't determine financial outcomes—debt burden does. Stanford's Cognitive Science graduates borrow just $12K in student loans, carrying a 1.5% payment burden that lands firmly in the 'Excellent' category, meaning loan payments consume a negligible share of post-grad income. For families weighing parent loans, Carnegie Mellon's combined family burden of 6.3% also rates 'Excellent'—strong proof that the highest-earning programs can simultaneously be the most financially sound. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $162,106
Strong outcomes ($72,125) with 66% acceptance rate
1.5% payment burden | Excellent
6.3% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carnegie Mellon UniversityPrivate | $162,106 | 17 | $21,750 | Excellent | $37,130 | Excellent |
| #2 | Stanford UniversityPrivate | $131,650 | 64 | $12,000 | Excellent | $38,333 | Excellent |
| #3 | Tufts UniversityPrivate | $130,801 | 39 | $16,250 | Excellent | $38,325 | Excellent |
| #4 | $120,193 | 230 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Excellent | |
| #5 | University Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $109,784 | 75 | $15,715 | Excellent | $33,124 | Good |
| #6 | $102,066 | 223 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $93,440 | 62 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Good | |
| #8 | $81,160 | 759 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Good | |
| #9 | $79,016 | 114 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Manageable | |
| #10 | Occidental CollegePrivate | $78,782 | 23 | $23,000 | Excellent | $51,450 | Challenging |
| #11 | $72,125 | 129 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Manageable | |
| #12 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $69,169 | 58 | $18,500 | Excellent | $20,855 | Manageable |
| #13 | $68,463 | 188 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $67,212 | 56 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Manageable | |
| #15 | Rice UniversityPrivate | $66,913 | 48 | $11,000 | Excellent | $35,338 | Manageable |
| #16 | University Of DelawarePublic | $66,716 | 71 | $24,572 | Excellent | $43,000 | Challenging |
| #17 | $51,147 | 72 | $16,144 | Excellent | $18,376 | Manageable | |
| #18 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $38,752 | 45 | — | — | — | — |
| #19 | $38,132 | 42 | — | — | — | — | |
| #20 | $33,993 | 12 | — | — | — | — | |
| #21 | $30,198 | 40 | — | — | — | — | |
| #22 | Johns Hopkins UniversityPrivate | $25,194 | 33 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
