Educationat University of California-Irvine
Graduates earn $26,106/yr in their first year — about 34.0% below the national Education average. Base-case 10-year earnings $656K; scenarios range from $592K to $678K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Irvine
A degree in General Education from a strong academic institution like UC Irvine provides a broad foundation, but it's important to understand what that typically means for your career trajectory. Unlike specific teaching credential programs, this degree usually requires further certification or graduate study (like a Master's in Education or a teaching credential) to qualify for public school teaching positions, especially in California's competitive market. Graduates often initially find roles in educational support, private instruction, non-profits, or administrative functions, which generally command lower starting salaries. The high AI risk reflects the potential for automation in some of these support and administrative roles. If you envision a teaching career, strategically planning for a credential or advanced degree immediately post-graduation, or pursuing internships early, will be vital to accelerate your earnings potential.
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 UC Irvine'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 Education
How UC Irvine stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Irvine
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Irvine, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Education offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Education trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Education at UC Irvine
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Education at University of California-Irvine?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Education. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Education careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $591,569 in decade earnings vs $677,594 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Education from University of California-Irvine?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.