Home › University of California-Los Angeles › Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $53,962/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)

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

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #2 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	$677K	$670K	$624K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.2x	11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	3.8x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	50%	44%
DegreeOutlook Score	64	64	63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,000

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$78,267

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $53,962 at University of California-Los Angeles come in 13% above the national median of $47,910 for Cognitive Science programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.2x 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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $53,962 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #2 of 19 nationally, this is a top-5% Cognitive Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $53,962 to $78,267 over five years — a 45% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles's 9% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, one of the larger campuses at 33,040 students in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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-Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cognitive Science at University of California-Los Angeles?

A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Cognitive Science field.

What makes University of California-Los Angeles's Cognitive Science program stand out?

Ranked #2 of 19 programs nationally, University of California-Los Angeles lands in the top 25%. 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 →