University of Southern California — Los Angeles, CA

Cognitive Science

at University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $49,368/yr starting out — that's 65% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 6.9 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $31,927/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $134,267 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$84,678/yr

Starting Salary

$49,368

Finish Rate

92%

$84,678/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $31,927/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $52,751/yr)

4 Years Total

$338,712

Typical Debt

$18,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$6,559

What You'd Really Pay

$134,267

That's about $205/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$493,680

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$134,267

Pays for Itself In

6.9 yrs

Salary Boost

+65%

Ahead After 10 Years

$359,413

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost27.9/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed18.1/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost8.6/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.8/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.