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Psychology at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,730/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)

ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #208 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 graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$607K	$597K	$539K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.4x	10.3x	9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.3x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	47%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	41	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$58,240

Out-of-state: $181,348 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$66,428

-14% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,902

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,093

92% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Santa Cruz's Psychology program produces graduates earning $30,730/yr — within striking distance of the $31,705 national average for this field.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,902 against $30,730/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of California-Santa Cruz ranks #208 among 926 Psychology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $30,730-to-$59,093 earnings arc over five years reflects a 92% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 17,812 in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

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 University of California-Santa Cruz

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at University of California-Santa Cruz?

At 41/100, 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 University of California-Santa Cruz?

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 University of California-Santa Cruz one of the best schools for Psychology?

Among 926 Psychology programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's #208 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 →