Analysis
Cognitive Science programs remain relatively rare—only 62 schools nationwide offer this interdisciplinary bachelor's degree—and University of Evansville's version appears even more uncommon, with data suppressed due to small graduating classes. Based on national patterns from similar programs, graduates typically earn around $41,000 in their first year, with debt loads near $18,000. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably below the 1.0 threshold that signals manageable repayment, suggesting monthly loan payments around 4-5% of gross income.
The challenge here isn't the financial picture—it's understanding what this small program actually prepares students to do. Cognitive Science blends psychology, computer science, neuroscience, and philosophy, which can lead to diverse career paths in UX research, data analysis, or graduate programs. But with so few graduates to track, we can't see whether Evansville's specific curriculum opens doors to tech jobs (where those $50,000+ salaries cluster) or defaults to more general social science employment. Indiana has only three programs statewide, and none with public outcomes data, leaving you without useful regional comparisons.
The modest debt estimate makes this less risky than many private university programs, but the suppressed data means you're essentially betting on the program's design and your child's ability to translate an interdisciplinary degree into a clear career path. Request employment outcomes directly from the department and ask current students where recent graduates actually landed jobs.
Where University of Evansville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Cognitive Science bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of EvansvilleEvansville | $42,676 | $41,362* | — | $18,000* | — |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $105,695* | — | $8,055* | 0.08 |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $84,314* | $96,904 | $18,660* | 0.22 |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $75,672* | — | $18,000* | 0.24 |
 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 |
| 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 Evansville, approximately 23% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 19 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.