Public Health at University of California-Merced
Merced, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,555/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI
8.0x earnings multiple (2.5x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $452K | $454K | $437K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.0x | 8.0x | 7.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 2.5x | 2.5x | 2.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 55% | 52% | 36% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 41 | 41 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,668
Out-of-state: $179,776 (2.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
About University of California-Merced
A 39% acceptance rate puts University of California-Merced in competitive admissions territory, with a mid-sized student body of 8,372 in Merced, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 59% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Merced →Top Career Paths
Physicists
$166,290/yr
Medical and health services managers
$117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620/yr
Compare & Explore
Public Health at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of California-Merced
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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at University of California-Merced?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Health programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Health at University of California-Merced?
The 48% 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 →