Psychology at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,115/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #387 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $602K $592K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.6x 10.4x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 36

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 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,360
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,900
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,253
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $27,115 track close to the $31,705 national median for Psychology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $14,900 against $27,115/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #387 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places University of California-Irvine in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $27,115-to-$56,253 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Irvine

University of California-Irvine admits 26% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, 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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Industrial-organizational psychologists $109,840/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Irvine

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at University of California-Irvine?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at University of California-Irvine?
The 49% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →