General
Cognitive Science And Biopsychology
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Cognitive Science And Biopsychology.
Entry Level Salary
$45,815
Median Salary
$124,931
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
16.8%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,997,240
Entry (Early)
$45,815
Median (Prime)
$124,931
High (Prime)
$135,687
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 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
-42k
+605k
+691k
$25k / yr
-132k
+515k
+601k
$50k / yr
-222k
+425k
+511k
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
-122%
474%
553%
$50k / yr
-102%
196%
235%
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).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate42.2%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Physicians
6.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,856
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$208,250|N/A
openings
22,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.8%
Software developers
6.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$102,820
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Management occupations
5.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,994
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Postsecondary teachers
4.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,636
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$46,232|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Physical scientists, all other
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$83,300
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$101,295|$117,960
openings
2,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Registered nurses
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$94,391
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,000|$93,600
openings
189,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Management analysts
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$88,491
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$95,000|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%
Teaching assistants
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$28,138
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$24,990|$35,550
openings
195,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.9%
Mathematical science occupations
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$97,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$97,000|$104,620
openings
37,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +27.1%
Elementary and middle school teachers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$52,063
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
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 Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| biopsychology. | Bachelor's Degree | 19 | $58,057 - $58,057 |
| cognitive science. | Bachelor's Degree | 48 | $51,147 - $162,106 |
| cognitive science. | Master's Degree | 6 | $71,364 - $71,364 |
| cognitive science. | Doctoral Degree | 12 | Data N/A |