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Cognitive Science at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
57
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,839/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 19 Cognitive Science programs Top 25%

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 $797K $786K $726K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 12.9x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 57 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,427
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,159
114% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-San Diego's Cognitive Science graduates start at $39,839/yr, trailing the $47,910 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cognitive Science programs nationally.

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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,427 in median debt clears quickly against $39,839 in annual earnings.

At #4 of 19 nationally, this is a top-5% Cognitive Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $85,159 show a 114% jump from the $39,839 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-San Diego

Admission to University of California-San Diego is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

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

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-San Diego

Computer Science ($112,006) Computer Engineering ($96,256) Mathematics and Computer Science ($89,651) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,687) Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology ($76,592) Mechanical Engineering ($69,555) Biological/Biosystems Engineering ($67,016) Civil Engineering ($65,478)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cognitive Science at University of California-San Diego?
A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Cognitive Science field.
What makes University of California-San Diego's Cognitive Science program stand out?
Ranked #4 of 19 programs nationally, University of California-San Diego lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can you still earn well with Cognitive Science from University of California-San Diego?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →