Home › University of California-Santa Cruz › Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,384/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)

ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #7 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	$743K	$735K	$681K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.8x	12.6x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	50%	44%
DegreeOutlook Score	51	50	55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$58,240

Out-of-state: $181,348 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$66,428

-14% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,981

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$76,561

116% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,384 per year, Cognitive Science graduates from University of California-Santa Cruz earn below the $47,910 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cognitive Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,981 against $35,384/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #7 ranking among 19 Cognitive Science programs places University of California-Santa Cruz in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $35,384-to-$76,561 earnings arc over five years reflects a 116% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 17,812 in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

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

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cognitive Science at University of California-Santa Cruz?

At 50/100, University of California-Santa Cruz's Cognitive Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is University of California-Santa Cruz a good choice for Cognitive Science despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Santa Cruz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →