Cognitive Science at Simmons University

The $34,000 gap between what Simmons' peer programs nationally suggest ($41,362) and what Tufts reports for cognitive science graduates in Massachusetts ($75,672) tells you something important: location matters immensely in this field, but not all Boston schools capture the same premium. Simmons sits in the same metro area as Tufts, yet the estimated outcomes align with the national median rather than the state's—suggesting either different career pathways for graduates or less access to the high-paying cognitive science roles (typically in tech, research, or consulting) that Boston is known for.

The estimated $18,000 debt load is reasonable—a 0.44 ratio to first-year earnings falls well within manageable territory. But peer programs suggest entry-level earnings that might feel tight in Boston's expensive market, especially compared to what other cognitive science programs in the state appear to produce. Your child wouldn't be buried in debt, but they also wouldn't have the immediate earning power to live comfortably in the city without roommates or family support.

For a cognitive science degree at Simmons to work financially, your child would need a clear plan to access higher-paying opportunities—strong internships, graduate school preparation, or specific technical skills that command better salaries. The program itself won't guarantee the Boston premium that makes the city's cost of living worthwhile.