2026 Best Value Cognitive Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Cognitive Science programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 77 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Cognitive Science Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat University Of Memphis this year in the United States. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis Cognitive Science students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Stony Brook University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Cognitive Science ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,537 in student loans. Stony Brook University alumni report median earnings of $74,502 a decade after entry. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stony Brook University admits about 49% of applicants. More on Stony Brook University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Cognitive Science students take on a median of $13,950 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
A rank of #4 makes Stanford University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $8,055 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. Set against $8,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Stanford University
Out of the 77 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #5 spot. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical Cognitive Science student debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
George Fox University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,320. The median Cognitive Science program debt is $25,324. George Fox University alumni report median earnings of $59,761 a decade after entry. Set against $25,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on George Fox University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Typical Cognitive Science student debt is $13,516. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $143,372. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report
Arizona State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $25,018 to complete their Cognitive Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $25,018 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Carnegie Mellon University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. More on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Pennsylvania placed #11 among the best-value Cognitive Science schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median Cognitive Science program debt is $18,660. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Cognitive Science student debt is $13,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. More on University Of California Los Angeles
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Median earnings reach $76,343 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full George Mason University report
Indiana University Bloomington placed #14 among the best-value Cognitive Science schools in the United States. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Cognitive Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Typical Cognitive Science student debt is $20,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. Set against $20,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cognitive Science schools. Based in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,078. The median Cognitive Science program debt is $24,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,051. That is a strong return on a $24,975 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rice University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Cognitive Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,718. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. More on Rice University
The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #19 among the best-value Cognitive Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Richardson, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,531 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,227. Set against $20,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Dallas has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Dallas report
University Of California San Diego placed #20 among the best-value Cognitive Science schools in the United States. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,481 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Yale University Cognitive Science students take on a median of $14,357 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Yale University
University Of California Davis landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. University Of California Davis Cognitive Science students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of California Davis
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cognitive Science schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Cognitive Science program debt is $20,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Georgia ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cognitive Science schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Cognitive Science students take on a median of $15,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Kentucky ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cognitive Science schools. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Cognitive Science Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Washington University In St Louis ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cognitive Science schools. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Cognitive Science program here. Median earnings reach $86,182 ten years out. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. University Of California Irvine Cognitive Science students take on a median of $16,539 in debt. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $19,669 to complete their Cognitive Science program here. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,669 median debt. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. Get the full University Of Southern California report
Tufts University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Tufts University Cognitive Science students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Tufts University alumni report median earnings of $83,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University has an acceptance rate of 12%. Read the full report on Tufts University
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Typical Cognitive Science student debt is $21,897. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full New York University profile
University Of Richmond landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete their Cognitive Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,178 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,634 median debt. University Of Richmond has an acceptance rate of 22%. Read the full report on University Of Richmond
Franklin And Marshall College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Lancaster, PA, Franklin And Marshall College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,794. Franklin And Marshall College Cognitive Science students take on a median of $20,411 in debt. Franklin And Marshall College alumni report median earnings of $76,124 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,411 median debt. The acceptance rate is 28%. Read the full report on Franklin And Marshall College
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #33 among the best-value Cognitive Science schools in the United States. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical Cognitive Science student debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Occidental College placed #34 among the best-value Cognitive Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,274. The median Cognitive Science program debt is $22,967. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%. Read more about Occidental College
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Vassar College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cognitive Science schools. Set in Poughkeepsie, NY, Vassar College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,030 in tuition and fees. Typical Cognitive Science student debt is $18,486. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,366. Set against $18,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Vassar College report
Vanderbilt University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Cognitive Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,396 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
Johns Hopkins University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. The median Cognitive Science program debt is $13,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
University Of California Merced ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cognitive Science schools. Based in Merced, CA, University Of California Merced is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,653, compared with $46,541 for out-of-state students. The median Cognitive Science program debt is $21,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,368. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of California Merced
Loyola University New Orleans placed #41 among the best-value Cognitive Science schools in the United States. Read more about Loyola University New Orleans
Brown University
Brown University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Brown University
Curry College
Curry College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Curry College
Northwestern University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Northwestern University profile
Dartmouth College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Get the full Dartmouth College report
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Michigan Technological University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Barnard College
Barnard College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Barnard College
Columbia University In The City Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Best Value Cognitive Science Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Cognitive Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cognitive Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cognitive Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cognitive Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cognitive Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cognitive Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cognitive Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 77 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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