Program Analysis
Graduates earn $47,459/yr, roughly in line with the $47,910 national median for Cognitive Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 22% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $47,459 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #9 out of 19 programs, Rice University's Cognitive Science offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $47,459 to $71,816 over five years (51% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.