Home › University of California-San Diego › Research and Experimental Psychology

Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,420/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (203,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #25 of 84 Research and Experimental Psychology programs Top 50%

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 $795K $776K $675K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 12.7x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.2x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 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)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,814
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,223
200% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,420/yr fall 33% below the $35,198 national median for Research and Experimental Psychology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 12.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Research and Experimental Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $14,814 against $23,420/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #25 ranking among 84 Research and Experimental Psychology programs places University of California-San Diego in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $23,420-to-$70,223 earnings arc over five years reflects a 200% 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, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

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

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

Compare this program → View all 84 schools offering Research and Experimental Psychology →

Research and Experimental Psychology at Other Schools

Tufts University ($56,504) Columbia University in the City of New York ($53,156) Johns Hopkins University ($49,035) Yale University ($47,874) Bates College ($47,376) Princeton University ($47,050) Amherst College ($45,786) University of Pennsylvania ($44,542)

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

Computer Science ($112,006) Computer Engineering ($96,256) Mathematics and Computer Science ($89,651) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,687) Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology ($76,592) Mechanical Engineering ($69,555) Biological/Biosystems Engineering ($67,016) Civil Engineering ($65,478)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-San Diego?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Research and Experimental Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-San Diego?
The 44% 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 a good choice for Research and Experimental Psychology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-San Diego's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →