Home › Washington University in St Louis › Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science at Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,996/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (22% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #18 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 $422K $424K $407K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.7x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,468
65% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,996/yr fall 35% below the $47,910 national median for Cognitive Science. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 1.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cognitive Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,500 against $30,996/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #18 ranking among 19 Cognitive Science programs places Washington University in St Louis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Washington University in St Louis

Washington University in St Louis admits 12% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 7,897 in Saint Louis, MO. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $88,468 — 65% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington University in St Louis →

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 Washington University in St Louis

Computer Science ($110,302) Business/Managerial Economics ($106,701) Finance and Financial Management Services ($102,814) Systems Engineering ($83,874) Mathematics ($79,799) Mechanical Engineering ($72,057) Marketing ($70,819) Chemical Engineering ($69,801)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cognitive Science at Washington University in St Louis?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cognitive Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Washington University in St Louis a good choice for Cognitive Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Washington University in St Louis's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Cognitive Science at Washington University in St Louis?
The 65% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $251,928. At a net cost of $88,468, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →