University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, MI

Cognitive Science

at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, MI

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $37,741/yr starting out — that's 26% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 8.6 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $14,832/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $66,434 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$33,345/yr

Starting Salary

$37,741

Finish Rate

93.2%

Household Income

$33,345/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $14,832/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $18,513/yr)

4 Years Total

$133,380

Typical Debt

$19,500

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,106

What You'd Really Pay

$66,434

That's about $222/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$377,410

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$66,434

Pays for Itself In

8.6 yrs

Salary Boost

+26%

Ahead After 10 Years

$310,976

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed15.9/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost3.4/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate14/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.