Cognitive Science at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
70
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $64,559/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 19 Cognitive Science programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your Cognitive Science degree from UC Berkeley carries significant weight, leveraging the university's unparalleled global reputation and its strategic location within the Bay Area. This isn't just about prestige; it provides direct access to the epicenter of technological innovation, research institutions, and a dynamic startup culture. The program's interdisciplinary rigor, blending psychology, computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience, equips you with highly adaptable analytical and problem-solving skills, making you exceptionally valuable where human cognition meets AI, user experience, and data science. Graduates often secure roles in product management, UX research, or foundational AI development at leading tech firms, or pursue advanced degrees. The moderate AI risk reflects that while some tasks may evolve, your critical thinking and synthesis skills remain in high demand. To truly maximize your potential, actively seek internships that bridge your academic interests with practical industry challenges, leveraging Berkeley's robust professional network.

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 $816K $804K $742K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.5x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 70 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,589
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$100,651
56% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Berkeley

With just 12% of applicants admitted, University of California-Berkeley ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 33,073 students in Berkeley, CA.

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

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-Berkeley

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cognitive Science at University of California-Berkeley?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Cognitive Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
What makes University of California-Berkeley's Cognitive Science program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 19 programs nationally, University of California-Berkeley lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →