Cognitive Science at Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
48
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,672/yr (58% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #8 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 $686K $679K $632K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 48 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$141,740
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of Tufts University's Cognitive Science program earn $75,672/yr in their first year — 58% above the $47,910 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The financial case is thin at 2.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Cognitive Science's typical career paths, with 22% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

At $18,000 in median debt against $75,672 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #8 of 19 Cognitive Science programs, Tufts University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About Tufts University

Tufts University admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 6,804 students in Medford, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $141,740 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Tufts 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

Cognitive Science at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cognitive Science at Tufts University?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cognitive Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →