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Psychology Studies at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, Other

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,345/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (114,600 openings/yr)

ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #3 of 5 Psychology, Other programs

Program Analysis

This specialized "Psychology, Other" program at UC Davis, being one of only a few nationally, likely emphasizes research, cognitive science, or interdisciplinary human behavior studies rather than direct clinical practice. The regional labor market in the Sacramento area, while robust, might not offer the same immediate high-paying entry-level roles for these foundational skills as other major tech or finance hubs. Many graduates leverage their strong analytical and research skills from UCD into diverse fields, often starting in roles that serve as stepping stones to management or require further graduate study to fully become a licensed psychologist or postsecondary educator. Given the high AI risk, focusing on uniquely human-centric applications of your psychology knowledge – like advanced interpersonal dynamics, complex problem-solving, or ethical considerations – will be key to long-term career resilience.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Psychology Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$651K	$636K	$571K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.4x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.5x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	52%	47%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	42	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$60,988

Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,152

-0% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,059

5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$64,230

105% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Davis

A 42% admission rate makes University of California-Davis accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 31,777 students in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr

Psychology teachers, postsecondary $80,330/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Davis's Psychology Studies program score?

This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Psychology Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Psychology Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Psychology Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Psychology Studies earnings lower at University of California-Davis?

Lower starting pay at University of California-Davis may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →