Analysis
Penn's Cognitive Science graduates earn more than double the national median for this field, launching at $84,314 and climbing to $97,000 by year four. That 95th percentile national ranking reflects the university's elite positioning, though the more modest 60th percentile within Pennsylvania suggests the state's other cognitive science programs—likely concentrated at strong regional universities—also produce competitive outcomes.
The $18,660 debt load translates to just three months of first-year earnings, an exceptionally manageable burden that reflects both Penn's strong financial aid and the program's strong earning power. Within four years, graduates see 15% earnings growth, reaching nearly six figures as they move beyond entry-level positions. Given that the national median for this field sits at just $41,000, Penn's premium is substantial—graduates here earn 2.4 times what typical cognitive science majors make.
For families who can navigate Penn's 6% admission rate, this program offers clear value: top-tier earnings with minimal debt. The caveat is that cognitive science remains a relatively niche major offered at only 62 schools nationwide, so these outcomes likely reflect both the program quality and the self-selection of students capable of gaining admission to an Ivy League institution. Still, if your child is competitive for Penn and genuinely interested in this interdisciplinary field, the financial fundamentals are sound.
Where University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cognitive science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania | $84,314 | $96,904 | +15% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $64,559 | $91,715 | +42% |
| Rice University | $47,459 | $86,577 | +82% |
| University of California-San Diego | $39,839 | $67,751 | +70% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $53,962 | $62,158 | +15% |
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 PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $84,314 | $96,904 | $18,660 | 0.22 |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $105,695 | — | $8,055 | 0.08 |
 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 |
 Rice UniversityHouston | $58,128 | $47,459 | $86,577 | $13,000 | 0.27 |
| 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 Pennsylvania, approximately 16% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.