Physiologyat University of California-Los Angeles
Graduates earn $23,151/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Physiology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $882K; scenarios range from $747K to $905K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UCLA
UCLA’s esteemed reputation for a science program might lead you to expect immediate high earnings, but this particular field often serves as a rigorous stepping stone. Many graduates pursue professional degrees like medicine, dentistry, or a PhD, meaning initial bachelor's earnings reflect transitional roles or research assistant positions before their advanced training pays off. The local Southern California biotech and medical research ecosystem provides excellent hands-on opportunities, but entry-level roles can be competitive. The high AI risk reflects the increasing automation of foundational lab techniques and diagnostic support, which requires you to develop specialized analytical or interdisciplinary skills. Consider this degree a strong foundation, but plan your next educational or professional step strategically. Focus on acquiring advanced data science or computational skills to complement your scientific expertise.
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 UCLA'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 Physiology
How UCLA stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UCLA
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UCLA, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Physiology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Physiology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Physiology at UCLA
What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physiology at University of California-Los Angeles?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Physiology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physiology at University of California-Los Angeles?
The 45% 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-Los Angeles a good choice for Physiology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Los Angeles's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.