Analysis
Concordia-Irvine's Behavioral Sciences program starts graduates at $31,899—below the national median but right at California's average for this field. The more interesting story is what happens next: earnings jump to $49,240 by year four, a 54% increase that outpaces typical growth for this degree. Among California's eleven programs, this one lands at the 60th percentile, placing it solidly in the middle of the pack despite the modest starting point.
The $24,583 in typical debt creates a manageable first-year ratio of 0.77, though it's worth noting this sits higher than most programs nationally (76th percentile for debt). Still, with earnings climbing substantially by year four, that debt becomes increasingly manageable. The caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual.
For families weighing this option, the trajectory matters more than the starting salary. If your child can weather the modest initial earnings—perhaps through family support or part-time work—the four-year outlook improves considerably. This isn't a top-tier California program, but the combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings growth suggests it delivers decent value for students committed to this field.
Where Concordia University-Irvine Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all behavioral sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Concordia University-Irvine graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University-Irvine | $31,899 | $49,240 | +54% |
| George Fox University | $34,613 | $47,713 | +38% |
| Wilmington University | $38,937 | $43,432 | +12% |
| University of Phoenix-California | $38,087 | $37,783 | -1% |
| Ashford University | $37,661 | $35,778 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Behavioral Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Concordia University-IrvineIrvine | $41,390 | $31,899 | $49,240 | $24,583 | 0.77 |
 University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario | — | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $37,661 | $35,778 | $51,388 | 1.36 |
 Life Pacific UniversitySan Dimas | $20,462 | $29,830 | — | $27,000 | 0.91 |
 University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz | $14,560 | $28,709 | — | $17,500 | 0.61 |
| National Median | — | $35,410 | — | $26,944 | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with behavioral sciences graduates
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Life Scientists, All Other
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
Social Science Research Assistants
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Concordia University-Irvine, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.