Cognitive Scienceat Rice University
Graduates earn $47,459/yr in their first year — about 1.0% below the national Cognitive Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $641K; scenarios range from $598K to $646K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Rice University
Rice's Cognitive Science program provides a robust, interdisciplinary foundation, drawing on strengths across psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. The diverse range of career paths — from natural sciences management to social services or academia — explains the varied early-career outcomes. Many graduates leverage their strong analytical and critical thinking skills in fields like UX research, data analysis, or pursue advanced degrees in law, medicine, or specialized research, where the foundational understanding of mind and brain is invaluable. While Houston offers opportunities in its growing tech and healthcare sectors, Rice's national reputation means you're not geographically limited. The program excels at preparing you for complex problem-solving across various domains, not just a singular career track. To maximize your post-graduation trajectory, actively seek out internships aligned with your specific interests and tailor your coursework to build a specialized skillset early on.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Rice University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Cognitive Science
How Rice University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Rice University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Rice University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Cognitive Science at Rice University
How does Rice University's Cognitive Science program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Cognitive Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Cognitive Science at Rice University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $232,512, but the average net cost is $50,560 — a 78% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.