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Public Health at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,144/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)

ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #45 of 213 Public Health programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$646K	$639K	$566K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.6x	10.5x	9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.5x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	55	54	53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,060

Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,000

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,000

4.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$67,103

71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,144 track close to the $38,916 national median for Public Health programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 in median debt against $39,144 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of California-San Diego ranks #45 among 213 Public Health programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $39,144-to-$67,103 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego admits 25% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 33,787 students enrolled in La Jolla, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Health at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at University of California-San Diego?

At 54/100, University of California-San Diego's Public Health program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Health at University of California-San Diego?

The 48% 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 one of the best schools for Public Health?

Among 213 Public Health programs, University of California-San Diego's #45 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 →