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Cognitive Science at Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
54
Optimistic
54
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $105,695/yr (121% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #6 of 19 Cognitive Science programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Cognitive Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $864K $850K $783K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 54 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$249,936
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,544
81% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,500
0.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of Stanford University's Cognitive Science program earn $105,695/yr in their first year — 121% above the $47,910 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 3.4x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cognitive Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $7,500 in median debt against $105,695 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #6 ranking among 19 Cognitive Science programs places Stanford University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Stanford University

Stanford University admits 4% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 7,841 students in Stanford, CA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $48,544 — 81% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Stanford University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Community and social service specialists, all other $54,940/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 19 schools offering Cognitive Science →

Cognitive Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($84,314) Tufts University ($75,672) University of California-Berkeley ($64,559) University of California-Los Angeles ($53,962) Rice University ($47,459) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($44,698) Johns Hopkins University ($42,602) University of California-Davis ($42,342)

Other Majors at Stanford University

Computer Science ($138,613) Engineering-Related Fields ($100,788) Economics ($98,104) International Relations and National Security Studies ($76,166) Political Science and Government ($59,297) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($50,487) Human Biology ($50,179) Engineering, Other ($49,741)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cognitive Science at Stanford University?
At 54/100, Stanford University's Cognitive Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
What do students actually pay for Cognitive Science at Stanford University?
The 81% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $249,936. At a net cost of $48,544, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →