Cognitive Scienceat Washington University in St Louis
Graduates earn $30,996/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Cognitive Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $424K; scenarios range from $407K to $422K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington University in St Louis
WashU's Cognitive Science program offers a truly interdisciplinary foundation, blending psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. This rigorous approach fosters exceptional critical thinking and research skills, often preparing graduates for advanced study rather than immediate entry into high-paying corporate roles. You'll find many peers pursue graduate degrees in fields like neuroscience, AI/ML, or UX research, which can delay initial earnings but lead to highly specialized and lucrative long-term careers.
While St. Louis offers a growing tech scene and significant healthcare research opportunities, the program's strong academic reputation means many graduates disperse nationally for further education or specialized positions. If you're considering this path, actively seek internships in tech (UX/UI, data analytics) or research labs from day one. This proactive step is crucial for translating your robust theoretical knowledge into the practical experience that employers value, especially if you aim for roles beyond academia.
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 Washington University in St Louis'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 Washington University in St Louis stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Washington University in St Louis
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Washington University in St Louis, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Cognitive Science at Washington University in St Louis
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.