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Cognitive Science at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,384/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 19 Cognitive Science programs Top 50%

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 $743K $735K $681K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.6x 11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,981
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,561
116% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,384 per year, Cognitive Science graduates from University of California-Santa Cruz earn below the $47,910 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cognitive Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,981 against $35,384/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #7 ranking among 19 Cognitive Science programs places University of California-Santa Cruz in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $35,384-to-$76,561 earnings arc over five years reflects a 116% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 17,812 in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

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-Santa Cruz

Computer Engineering ($79,969) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,842) Computer Science ($75,150) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($55,856) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($55,773) Business/Managerial Economics ($52,029) Economics ($50,518) Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($45,088)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cognitive Science at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 50/100, University of California-Santa Cruz's Cognitive Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is University of California-Santa Cruz a good choice for Cognitive Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Santa Cruz'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 →