Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
50
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,748/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (203,900 openings/yr)
ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 84 Research and Experimental Psychology programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your experience in Research and Experimental Psychology at UCLA immerses you in a program renowned for its rigorous scientific training and quantitative methods. The initial earnings trajectory often reflects the common path graduates take into further academic study, such as PhD programs, or entry-level research positions within universities, non-profits, or government agencies. While these roles are foundational for future specialization, they may not command the highest salaries right out of a bachelor's. Many core tasks in experimental psychology, from data analysis to literature review, are also increasingly subject to AI augmentation, impacting the long-term career landscape. To truly thrive, lean into UCLA's strengths in advanced statistics and computational methods. Seek out opportunities to develop programming skills (like Python or R) and apply them in research internships within diverse fields like UX research in tech, market analysis, or health sciences in the expansive Los Angeles job market. This quantitative edge is your most powerful asset for a resilient and rewarding career.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $837K $816K $704K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.2x 14.8x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 50 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,570
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,384
182% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

With just 9% of applicants admitted, University of California-Los Angeles ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Research and Experimental Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Los Angeles's Research and Experimental Psychology program score?
This program scores 50/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Research and Experimental Psychology graduates.
How vulnerable is Research and Experimental Psychology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Research and Experimental Psychology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of California-Los Angeles rank so high for Research and Experimental Psychology?
The #4 ranking out of 84 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Why are Research and Experimental Psychology earnings lower at University of California-Los Angeles?
Lower starting pay at University of California-Los Angeles may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →