Analysis
George Fox's cognitive science bachelor's draws on national patterns showing first-year earnings around $41,400—a modest start for a four-year degree. The estimated $18,000 in debt aligns closely with the national median for this field, producing a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. That translates to roughly five months of gross income, which falls into the "reasonable investment" category for bachelor's programs.
The challenge here is visibility. Oregon has only one school offering this degree, and George Fox's specific outcomes remain unpublished due to small graduate cohorts. That means parents are navigating with limited information about how this particular program performs. Nationally, cognitive science sits at the intersection of psychology, computer science, and neuroscience—a positioning that can lead to diverse career paths with widely varying pay. The top quarter of programs nationally reach $50,700 in first-year earnings, suggesting there's significant variation in how well different schools prepare students for the job market.
For families considering this program, the debt load appears manageable, but the $41,400 estimated starting salary requires careful financial planning. If your child is drawn to this interdisciplinary field, probe deeply into what specific skills and career pathways George Fox emphasizes—whether it leans toward research, tech applications, or clinical preparation will substantially affect post-graduation prospects.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Cognitive Science bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 George Fox UniversityNewberg | $40,940 | $41,362* | — | $18,000* | — |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $105,695* | — | $8,055* | 0.08 |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $84,314* | $96,904 | $18,660* | 0.22 |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $75,672* | — | $18,000* | 0.24 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $64,559* | $91,715 | $13,950* | 0.22 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $53,962* | $62,158 | $13,000* | 0.24 |
| National Median | — | $41,362* | — | $17,750* | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cognitive science graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Religious Workers, All Other
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
Self-Enrichment Teachers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At George Fox University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 19 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.