Home › University of California-Davis › Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,342/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #11 of 19 Cognitive Science programs

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 $489K $489K $464K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.0x 8.0x 7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $42,342/yr, Cognitive Science graduates from University of California-Davis land near the $47,910 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cognitive Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #11 ranking among 19 Cognitive Science programs places University of California-Davis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis accepts 42% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 31,777 students in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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

Stanford University ($105,695) 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)

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Computer Engineering ($96,418) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,343) Engineering, General ($82,956) Mechanical Engineering ($75,231) Civil Engineering ($75,165) Materials Engineering ($74,110) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,633) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,419)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cognitive Science at University of California-Davis?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cognitive Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →