Cognitive Science at University of Georgia

UGA's Cognitive Science program starts graduates at a national median salary of $41,362, but the real story is what happens next: earnings jump 35% to nearly $56,000 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the modest first-year number, especially when combined with below-average debt of $15,750. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38, graduates can realistically pay down their loans while their careers accelerate.

The program holds its own nationally—landing exactly at the 50th percentile—but performs better within Georgia at the 60th percentile. Since UGA is the only school in Georgia offering this degree, in-state students interested in cognitive science don't have local alternatives for comparison. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this is a smaller program, which could mean more individualized attention but also less established alumni networks in specific career paths.

For parents concerned about immediate payback, the first year will feel tight, but the strong earnings growth indicates graduates are finding their footing quickly. The combination of selective admissions (37% acceptance rate) and manageable debt creates reasonable risk for a degree that opens doors in tech, research, and UX design—fields where cognitive science grads increasingly compete. If your child can handle the initial earnings plateau, the four-year outlook justifies the investment.