Human Biologyat University of California-Irvine
Graduates earn $12,187/yr in their first year — about 61.0% below the national Human Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $323K; scenarios range from $330K to $306K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Irvine
Your Human Biology degree from UCI positions you for a foundational understanding of health and disease, often serving as a strong springboard for further education. The initial earnings data likely reflects that many graduates immediately pursue advanced degrees in medicine, allied health, or research. Orange County boasts a robust healthcare and biotech sector, from large hospital systems to innovative startups, but entry-level roles for bachelor's holders in a broad field like Human Biology typically see more modest pay before specialization or advanced credentials.
Consider this degree a stepping stone rather than a direct pipeline to high-paying entry-level positions. While AI risk might seem high for some routine lab or data analysis tasks, the critical thinking and problem-solving skills you'll develop are essential for leadership, advanced research, and teaching roles in the long term. Your actionable advice: network relentlessly with UCI alumni and faculty early on to understand specific career trajectories and gain research or clinical experience to clarify your post-graduation path.
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 Human Biology
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.
Frequently asked about Human Biology at UC Irvine
What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Human Biology at University of California-Irvine?
At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Human Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Human Biology degree from University of California-Irvine?
At $20,900 in median debt, graduates carry 21 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Human Biology at University of California-Irvine?
The 40% 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 Human Biology 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.