Research and Experimental Psychologyat University of California-San Diego
Graduates earn $23,420/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Research and Experimental Psychology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $776K; scenarios range from $675K to $795K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC San Diego
Your experience with Research and Experimental Psychology at UC San Diego positions you exceptionally well for advanced study, given the university's strong research focus and academic rigor. The initial earnings for graduates with this bachelor's degree often reflect a common trajectory: many students pursue graduate degrees, like Master's or PhDs, to unlock the higher-paying roles listed on this page, such as becoming a licensed psychologist, a university professor, or a lead statistician.
With a bachelor's, you'll likely find opportunities in research support, data analysis, or project coordination roles within academic institutions, biotech firms, or healthcare organizations prevalent in the San Diego area. These entry-level positions, while valuable for gaining experience, typically offer more modest compensation. The high AI risk rating underscores the importance of developing strong critical thinking, advanced analytical skills, and robust research design capabilities that automation cannot replicate. If you're considering this path, thoroughly research graduate school options and career paths requiring advanced degrees, as these are often essential for maximizing your long-term earning potential in this field.
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 UC San Diego'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 Research and Experimental Psychology
How UC San Diego stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC San Diego
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC San Diego, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Research and Experimental Psychology at UC San Diego
What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-San Diego?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Research and Experimental Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-San Diego?
The 44% 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 Research and Experimental Psychology 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.