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Cognitive Science And Biopsychology

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Cognitive Science And Biopsychology.

Entry Level Salary
$46,153
Median Salary
$123,525
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
16.8%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,941,000
Entry (Early)
$46,153
Median (Prime)
$123,525
High (Prime)
$139,340

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-39k
+596k
+722k
$25k / yr
-129k
+506k
+632k
$50k / yr
-219k
+416k
+542k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
24
24
$25k / yr
Never
27
26
$50k / yr
Never
30
28

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-119%
465%
581%
$50k / yr
-101%
191%
249%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate43%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Software developers

7.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$92,644
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Physicians

6.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,161
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$225,000|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%

Management occupations

5.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$100,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$123,525|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Postsecondary teachers

4.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,299
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,655|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Physical scientists, all other

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$85,747
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$104,271|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Registered nurses

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$97,164
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$96,466|$97,550
openings
180,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%

Teaching assistants

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$28,964
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$28,964|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Art and design workers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$120,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$58,240
openings
76,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.8%

Elementary and middle school teachers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$53,592
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,514|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Mathematical science occupations

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$99,850
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,000|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
biopsychology.Bachelor's Degree19$58,057 - $74,764
cognitive science.Bachelor's Degree46$51,147 - $162,106
cognitive science.Master's Degree6$71,364 - $71,364
cognitive science.Doctoral Degree11Data N/A