Cognitive Scienceat University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduates earn $27,628/yr in their first year — about 42.0% below the national Cognitive Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $717K; scenarios range from $665K to $725K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Virginia
Your Cognitive Science degree from UVA offers a robust interdisciplinary foundation, often blending psychology, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy. This comprehensive approach means graduates aren't pigeonholed, but it can also lead to a diverse array of initial career paths, some of which may not immediately reflect the earning potential seen in more specialized technical fields. Many students leverage this background for graduate studies in fields like AI ethics, human-computer interaction, or neuroscience, which naturally delays higher earnings. Others pursue roles in UX research, data analysis, or policy, where the strong analytical and problem-solving skills are highly valued. The moderate AI risk suggests the unique human-centric aspects of this education remain critical. To maximize your early career trajectory, actively seek internships that align with specific industry applications, like tech or product development.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Virginia's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Cognitive Science
How University of Virginia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Virginia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Virginia, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Cognitive Science at University of Virginia
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.