Cognitive Science at United States Military Academy

West Point's distinctive funding model makes the standard debt analysis misleading here. While comparable cognitive science programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $41,000 with typical debt near $17,500, West Point graduates incur zero tuition costs in exchange for military service commitments. The estimated debt figure reflects what peer institutions charge, not what this program actually costs students. That fundamentally changes the value calculation—you're looking at a free education with guaranteed employment, albeit one that requires five years of active duty service after graduation.

The estimated $41,000 starting salary sits at the national median for cognitive science bachelor's degrees, which might seem modest compared to computer science or engineering. However, this figure likely doesn't capture military officer compensation accurately, which includes housing allowances, healthcare, and other benefits that significantly boost total compensation beyond base pay. Cognitive science graduates from similar programs typically earn up to $50,000 at the 75th percentile, suggesting room for growth in civilian markets after service completion.

The real cost here isn't financial—it's the service obligation and the highly competitive 14% admission rate. If your child gains admission and accepts the military commitment, they're getting professional training and leadership experience that comparable civilian programs can't match, with none of the debt burden that typically comes with a bachelor's degree.