Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,712/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market
Small (8,000 openings/yr)
ROI
9.5x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $550K | $541K | $490K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.7x | 9.5x | 8.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.1x | 3.0x | 2.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 41% | 26% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 19 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,948
Out-of-state: $180,056 (3.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,998
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,699
90% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Irvine
A 26% acceptance rate puts University of California-Irvine in competitive admissions territory, serving a student body of 29,494 in Irvine, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Irvine →Top Career Paths
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
$84,290/yr
Interpreters and translators
$59,440/yr
Compare & Explore
Ethnic & Cultural Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of California-Irvine
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of California-Irvine?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ethnic & Cultural Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of California-Irvine?
The 69% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of California-Irvine a good choice for Ethnic & Cultural Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Irvine's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →