2026 Best Value Cognitive Science Schools in California

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Our analysis ranked Stanford University the best value for a degree in cognitive science in California. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Cognitive Science graduates carry a median of $8,055 in student loans. Early-career cognitive science graduates make about $105,695. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value cognitive science schools. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $17,481 to complete the cognitive science program here. Cognitive Science graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $39,839 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,481 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #3 place for cognitive science. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete the cognitive science program here. Soon after graduation, cognitive science degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Los Angeles earned it the #4 place for cognitive science. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for cognitive science graduates is $13,000. Cognitive Science graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $53,962 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Students looking for strong value in cognitive science will find it at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #5. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Cognitive Science graduates carry a median of $13,950 in student loans. Soon after graduation, cognitive science degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $64,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.

6

University Of California Merced
Merced, CA

University Of California Merced placed #6 among the best values for cognitive science. University Of California Merced is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Merced. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,653, compared with $46,541 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for cognitive science graduates is $21,000. Cognitive Science graduates of University Of California Merced earn a median of $32,419 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

University Of California Davis earned the #7 position for value in cognitive science this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the cognitive science program here. Soon after graduation, cognitive science degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $42,342. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

8

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #8 spot for cognitive science value this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the cognitive science program here. Early-career cognitive science graduates make about $35,384. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

9

Pomona College
Claremont, CA

Pomona College came in at #9 for value in cognitive science this year. Set in the suburb of Claremont, Pomona College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,420. Cognitive Science graduates of Pomona College earn a median of $75,954 early in their careers. Roughly 7% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California landed the #10 spot for cognitive science value this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Cognitive Science graduates carry a median of $19,669 in student loans. Early-career cognitive science graduates make about $34,295. That is a strong return on a $19,669 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.

11

Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA

Occidental College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value cognitive science schools. Occidental College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,274. Cognitive Science graduates carry a median of $22,967 in student loans. Early-career cognitive science graduates make about $41,514. Set against $22,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Occidental College admits about 44% of applicants.