Human Biology at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $12,187/yr (-61% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (24,200 openings/yr)
ROI 5.7x earnings multiple (1.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 10 Human Biology programs

Program Analysis

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.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $306K $323K $330K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 5.4x 5.7x 5.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 1.7x 1.8x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 14

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 (1.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,360
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,900
20.6 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of California-Irvine

University of California-Irvine accepts 26% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 29,494 students in Irvine, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

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