Analysis
UC Santa Cruz's Cognitive Science program starts slow but transforms into something more promising. That $35,384 first-year salary sits below both the national and California medians, landing this program in the 40th percentile statewide—notably behind peers like UC Davis and UCSD. Yet the 67% earnings jump to $59,051 by year four tells a different story about long-term trajectory.
The $19,500 debt load offers some reassurance here. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, graduates aren't drowning in payments during those lean first years. This is slightly above California's median debt for the program but remains manageable, especially as salaries climb. The real question is whether that initial earnings gap ever closes—at $59,051 four years out, graduates are finally approaching what some programs deliver immediately after graduation.
For families comfortable with a longer runway to financial stability, this works. Your graduate will likely need financial support or careful budgeting in those early years, but the strong earnings growth suggests the degree does lead somewhere. Just understand you're betting on delayed returns rather than immediate payoff, and that UCSC lags behind several other UC campuses in this field.
Where University of California-Santa Cruz Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Santa Cruz 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-Santa Cruz | $35,384 | $59,051 | +67% |
| 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-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-Santa CruzSanta Cruz | $14,560 | $35,384 | $59,051 | $19,500 | 0.55 |
 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-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 |
| 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-Santa Cruz, approximately 32% 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 121 graduates with reported earnings and 134 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.