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Cognitive Science at University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,419/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 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 $584K $580K $545K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.2x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,668
Out-of-state: $179,776 (3.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,976
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,105
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,358
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Merced's Cognitive Science graduates start at $32,419/yr, trailing the $47,910 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cognitive Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,105 against $32,419/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #12 ranking among 19 Cognitive Science programs places University of California-Merced in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,419-to-$57,358 earnings arc over five years reflects a 77% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Merced

Admission to University of California-Merced is competitive, with 39% of applicants accepted, with a mid-sized student body of 8,372 in Merced, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 59% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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 University of California-Merced

Mechanical Engineering ($67,096) Computer Engineering ($58,835) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($57,223) Economics ($51,212) Chemistry ($50,944) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($47,028) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($46,378) Applied Mathematics ($39,138)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cognitive Science at University of California-Merced?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cognitive Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of California-Merced a good choice for Cognitive Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Merced'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 →