Analysis
MIT's cognitive science program presents a puzzling picture. The estimated first-year earnings of $41,000—drawn from national peer programs—fall dramatically short of what similar programs in Massachusetts typically deliver. Tufts reports $75,672 for its cognitive science graduates, nearly double the national benchmark. Given MIT's exceptional selectivity (5% admission rate) and stellar student profile (1553 average SAT), these estimated figures likely understate what MIT graduates actually earn, especially since they don't account for the institution's powerful tech-industry connections and prestigious brand.
The estimated $18,000 debt load aligns with both state and national medians, yielding a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio even using the conservative national estimate. If actual MIT outcomes track closer to other Massachusetts programs—a reasonable assumption given the school's academic caliber—graduates would be looking at debt representing just three months of income, an exceptionally strong position for launching a career.
The data suppression here likely reflects cognitive science's smaller cohort size at MIT rather than problematic outcomes. For a program at one of the world's premier technical universities, where interdisciplinary cognitive science sits at the intersection of computer science, neuroscience, and AI, the national baseline almost certainly doesn't capture what's happening. Parents should recognize these estimates as a floor, not a ceiling, though confirming actual career paths of recent graduates would eliminate the guesswork.
Where Massachusetts Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Cognitive Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $41,362* | — | $18,000* | — |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $75,672* | — | $18,000* | 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, approximately 19% 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.