Analysis
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.
Where University of California-Irvine Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Irvine | $44,277 | $66,614 | +50% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $83,604 | $92,873 | +11% |
| Westmont College | $54,457 | $78,938 | +45% |
| University of California-Santa Cruz | $52,029 | $78,567 | +51% |
| University of California-Davis | $54,546 | $78,081 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $44,277 | $66,614 | $15,000 | 0.34 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $83,604 | $92,873 | $17,332 | 0.21 |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $66,360 | $70,643 | $36,551 | 0.55 |
 University of California-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $54,546 | $78,081 | $13,000 | 0.24 |
 Westmont CollegeSanta Barbara | $51,790 | $54,457 | $78,938 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
 Chapman UniversityOrange | $62,784 | $54,064 | $75,777 | $22,977 | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $53,219 | — | $22,250 | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 University of California-Irvine, approximately 37% 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 382 graduates with reported earnings and 370 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.