Psychology at California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,706/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #74 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 10%

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 $523K $520K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 19.1x 17.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,268
Out-of-state: $74,788 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,168
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,948
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,706 track close to the $31,705 national median for Psychology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 19.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 in median debt against $32,706 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #74 of 926 programs, this Psychology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $32,706-to-$49,948 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Channel Islands

California State University-Channel Islands has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,230 students in Camarillo, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Channel Islands →

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 California State University-Channel Islands

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at California State University-Channel Islands?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at California State University-Channel Islands?
The 49% 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 →