Analysis
UC Berkeley's Cognitive Science program punches far above its weight, with graduates earning $64,559 in their first year—more than double both the national and California median for this field. This ranks in the 95th percentile among California's cognitive science programs, second only to Stanford (whose graduates start at $106,000). The roughly $27,000 gap between Berkeley and Stanford narrows considerably when you factor in Berkeley's significantly lower tuition for California residents.
The trajectory here is particularly strong: earnings jump 42% to nearly $92,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are moving into roles where cognitive science skills command premium compensation—likely in tech, UX research, or data science given Berkeley's Silicon Valley proximity. The debt burden of $13,950 is manageable at just 0.22 times first-year earnings, meaning most graduates could pay this off within months of starting work if they chose to be aggressive about it.
Berkeley's highly selective admissions (12% acceptance rate) means getting in is the main hurdle, but for students who do, this program delivers exceptional return on investment. The combination of top-tier earnings, modest debt, and strong growth makes this one of the best cognitive science programs in the country for financial outcomes.
Where University of California-Berkeley Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Berkeley graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley | $64,559 | $91,715 | +42% |
| University of California-San Diego | $39,839 | $67,751 | +70% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $53,962 | $62,158 | +15% |
| University of California-Santa Cruz | $35,384 | $59,051 | +67% |
| University of California-Merced | $32,419 | $47,142 | +45% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Cognitive Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $64,559 | $91,715 | $13,950 | 0.22 |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $105,695 | — | $8,055 | 0.08 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $53,962 | $62,158 | $13,000 | 0.24 |
 University of California-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $42,342 | — | $15,000 | 0.35 |
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $39,839 | $67,751 | $17,481 | 0.44 |
 University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz | $14,560 | $35,384 | $59,051 | $19,500 | 0.55 |
| 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 University of California-Berkeley, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 215 graduates with reported earnings and 198 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.