Psychology Studies at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, Other
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,672/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 5 Psychology, Other programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

UCSD's "Psychology, Other" designation often signals a program deeply rooted in experimental psychology, cognitive science, or interdisciplinary research, leveraging the university's robust STEM reputation. You're likely developing strong analytical, research design, and data interpretation skills, which are highly valued in the San Diego region's thriving biotech, tech, and academic research ecosystems. Graduates frequently pivot into roles like user experience (UX) research, human factors, data analysis, or specialized R&D at companies and institutions in La Jolla and wider San Diego, rather than traditional clinical practice. While a "high AI risk" might appear concerning, it often targets repetitive tasks; your unique value will be in designing studies, interpreting nuanced human behavior, and applying psychological principles to complex problems AI can't yet solve. Focus on honing your quantitative skills—statistics, programming, experimental design—and seek internships applying these to real-world industry challenges.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $520K $518K $482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.5x 8.5x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 43

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 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,033
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Psychology teachers, postsecondary $80,330/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-San Diego's Psychology Studies program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Psychology Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Psychology Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Psychology Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of California-San Diego rank so high for Psychology Studies?
The #1 ranking out of 5 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →