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Cognitive Science at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,628/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 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 $725K $717K $665K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.6x 8.5x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$83,944
Out-of-state: $232,056 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,524
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,625
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,592
148% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $27,628 place University of Virginia-Main Campus below the $47,910 national median for Cognitive Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 8.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 22% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $15,625 debt-to-$27,628 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #15 out of 19 programs, University of Virginia-Main Campus's financial outcomes for Cognitive Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $27,628 to $68,592 over five years (148% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Virginia-Main Campus accepts 17% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 17,315 in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

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 Virginia-Main Campus

Computer Engineering ($118,232) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($98,067) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($93,565) Systems Engineering ($91,178) Chemical Engineering ($85,772) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,135) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($77,922) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,220)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Virginia-Main Campus's Cognitive Science program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Cognitive Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Cognitive Science earnings lower at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
Lower starting pay at University of Virginia-Main Campus may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →