Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,301/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (203,900 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 of 84 Research and Experimental Psychology programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $628K $620K $558K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.2x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,866
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,401
93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,301/yr, Research and Experimental Psychology graduates from University of California-Davis land near the $35,198 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Research and Experimental Psychology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Research and Experimental Psychology's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $12,866 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #15 of 84 nationally, this is a top-5% Research and Experimental Psychology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $62,401 show a 93% jump from the $32,301 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis accepts 42% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 31,777 students in Davis, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Research and Experimental Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-Davis?
A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Research and Experimental Psychology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Research and Experimental Psychology careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $558,242 in decade earnings vs $628,162 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of California-Davis's Research and Experimental Psychology program stand out?
Ranked #15 of 84 programs nationally, University of California-Davis lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →