Analysis
UC Davis's cognitive science program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—and that's actually the story here. At $42,342 first-year out, graduates earn modestly above both national and California medians, though they trail significantly behind Berkeley ($64,559) and UCLA ($53,962). Within California's competitive cognitive science landscape, Davis ranks 60th percentile, which means it outperforms several UC campuses including Santa Cruz but hasn't cracked into the top tier of earning potential.
The debt picture offers some relief: $15,000 is manageable, particularly given California's high cost of living, and translates to a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. This puts monthly loan payments around $165—doable even on entry-level cognitive science salaries that often start in research coordination, UX roles, or tech support positions. The program draws a meaningful portion of Pell grant recipients (31%), suggesting it successfully serves middle-class California families.
For families weighing UC options, Davis represents the solid middle ground. You're not getting Berkeley's placement power or the salary premium that follows, but you're also avoiding excessive debt and still earning a UC degree that carries weight. If your student is considering graduate school—common in this field—keeping undergraduate debt low matters more than maximizing year-one earnings. For students landing at cognitive science directly from high school, this program delivers predictable, if unspectacular, returns.
Where University of California-Davis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Davis graduates compare to all programs nationally
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-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $42,342 | — | $15,000 | 0.35 |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $105,695 | — | $8,055 | 0.08 |
 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 |
 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-Davis, approximately 31% 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 84 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.