Psychology, General at California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,168/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.0x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #100 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $571K $565K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 19.0x 17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.3x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,748
Out-of-state: $77,268 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,948
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,215
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,168 track close to the $31,705 national median for Psychology, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 19.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $11,000 in median debt against $29,168 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

California State University-Monterey Bay ranks #100 among 926 Psychology, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $29,168-to-$54,215 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Monterey Bay

California State University-Monterey Bay has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 5,811 in Seaside, CA. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Monterey Bay →

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, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Monterey Bay

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology, General at California State University-Monterey Bay?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology, General at California State University-Monterey Bay?
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.
Is California State University-Monterey Bay one of the best schools for Psychology, General?
Among 926 Psychology, General programs, California State University-Monterey Bay's #100 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →