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Cognitive Science at Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,752/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #16 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 $468K $469K $446K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,160
70% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Vanderbilt University's Cognitive Science graduates start at $38,752/yr, trailing the $47,910 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The financial case is thin at 1.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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.

Ranked #16 of 19 Cognitive Science programs, Vanderbilt University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Vanderbilt University

Only 6% of applicants gain admission to Vanderbilt University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 7,143 students in Nashville, TN. The average net cost of $76,160 over four years represents a 70% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Vanderbilt University →

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 Vanderbilt University

Computer Science ($122,244) Mathematics ($103,812) Economics ($84,311) Engineering Science ($81,126) Mechanical Engineering ($78,009) Chemical Engineering ($75,639) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($63,402) Social Sciences, General ($61,389)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cognitive Science at Vanderbilt University?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cognitive Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Cognitive Science from Vanderbilt University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Is Vanderbilt University a hidden gem for Cognitive Science?
After financial aid, the average student pays $76,160 over four years — 70% below the $255,784 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →