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Cognitive Science at Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,198/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #19 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 $417K $420K $403K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.6x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,684
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$155,636
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,417
10.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,198/yr fall 37% below the $47,910 national median for Cognitive Science. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 1.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 22% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,417 debt-to-$30,198 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #19 out of 19 programs, Case Western Reserve University's financial outcomes for Cognitive Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University admits 29% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a mid-sized student body of 6,108 in Cleveland, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $155,636 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Case Western Reserve 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

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 Case Western Reserve University

Computer Science ($95,688) Chemical Engineering ($83,706) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($83,639) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($83,227) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($78,815) Mechanical Engineering ($76,736) Civil Engineering ($74,266) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($69,389)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Case Western Reserve University's Cognitive Science program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Cognitive Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Cognitive Science earnings lower at Case Western Reserve University?
Lower starting pay at Case Western Reserve University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →