Business/Managerial Economics at University of California-Irvine

UC Irvine's Business/Managerial Economics program starts graduates at below-average salaries but delivers impressive growth potential that transforms the value equation over time. While first-year earnings of $44,277 rank in just the 25th percentile among California programs—trailing the state median by nearly $10,000—graduates see their income jump 50% to $66,614 by year four, ultimately exceeding both state and national benchmarks.

The debt picture significantly strengthens this program's appeal. At $15,000, student loans are 95th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt) and well below California's $18,000 median. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off loans relatively quickly as their salaries climb.

For families weighing this investment, the trajectory matters more than the starting point. Yes, your child will likely earn less initially than peers at UCLA or other top-tier programs, but the combination of strong earnings growth and minimal debt creates a compelling financial foundation. Given UC Irvine's selectivity and solid reputation, this program offers a smart path for students who can weather lower initial salaries in exchange for strong long-term prospects and financial flexibility.