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Cognitive Science at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,698/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (2.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 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 $503K $503K $476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.3x 7.3x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $44,698/yr, roughly in line with the $47,910 national median for Cognitive Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.3x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $44,698 far exceeding the $22,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #10 of 19 Cognitive Science programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor accepts 18% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 33,488 students in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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) Johns Hopkins University ($42,602) University of California-Davis ($42,342)

Other Majors at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,634) Computer Software and Media Applications ($98,117) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($93,674) Computer Engineering ($92,501) Information Science/Studies ($88,515) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($87,606) Industrial Engineering ($86,476) Mechanical Engineering ($82,823)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cognitive Science at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cognitive Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →