Engineering Studies at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, Other
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,522/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,400 openings/yr)
ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 16 Engineering, Other programs

Program Analysis

While UCSD's "Engineering, Other" program is nationally recognized for its quality, the earnings data suggests graduates often pursue diverse, perhaps less traditional, engineering pathways immediately after graduation. This category frequently encompasses interdisciplinary fields or those with strong research components, aligning with UCSD's reputation as a top-tier research institution. Many graduates might enter roles in biotech, medical devices, or defense within the San Diego ecosystem, or even pursue further graduate studies, which can defer peak earning potential. The robust local innovation economy, particularly in life sciences and advanced manufacturing, offers unique opportunities for these specialized engineers. Given the high AI risk in engineering generally, focus on developing critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and adaptability – skills that are inherently less automatable and will make your "other" engineering expertise invaluable.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $919K $879K $755K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 14.4x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.8x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,954
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,292
67% growth from Year 1

About University of California-San Diego

Admission to University of California-San Diego is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 33,787 in La Jolla, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors $109,660/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Studies at University of California-San Diego?
At 65/100, the score looks reasonable — but Engineering Studies is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering Studies at University of California-San Diego?
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.
Is University of California-San Diego a good choice for Engineering Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-San Diego'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 →