Psychology at University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,595/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #389 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $665K $650K $577K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,776
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$125,060
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,458
92% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,595/yr, edging above the $31,705 national average for Psychology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Psychology's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,595 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #389 of 926 Psychology programs, University of San Diego scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $68,458 show a 92% jump from the $35,595 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of San Diego

With a 47% acceptance rate, University of San Diego is moderately selective, serving 5,619 students in San Diego, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $125,060 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

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

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Industrial-organizational psychologists $109,840/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Psychology at University of San Diego?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Psychology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Psychology careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $577,305 in decade earnings vs $664,987 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →