Analysis
UCLA's Cognitive Science program punches well above its weight in a crowded California market. With first-year earnings of $53,962, graduates earn nearly $13,000 more than the typical California cognitive science graduate and outperform 80% of similar programs statewide. Only Berkeley and Stanford produce better outcomes among UC schools, and the $13,000 in median debt is remarkably manageable—graduates owe just one-quarter of their first year's salary.
The trajectory looks solid too, with earnings climbing 15% to $62,158 by year four. While that's a more modest growth curve than some technical fields, it's steady progress that puts graduates in a comfortable position early in their careers. The combination of UCLA's elite reputation, reasonable debt load, and strong starting salaries creates breathing room for graduates exploring diverse career paths in tech, research, UX design, or graduate school.
For an anxious parent, this program delivers meaningful value without the financial strain: your child graduates with earnings that comfortably exceed California's cost of living and debt that won't dictate their career choices. The 9% admission rate means getting in is the hard part—but those who do find themselves well-positioned in a field that bridges psychology, neuroscience, and computer science.
Where University of California-Los Angeles Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Los Angeles 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-Los Angeles | $53,962 | $62,158 | +15% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $64,559 | $91,715 | +42% |
| University of California-San Diego | $39,839 | $67,751 | +70% |
| 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-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $53,962 | $62,158 | $13,000 | 0.24 |
 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-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-Los Angeles, 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 79 graduates with reported earnings and 86 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.