Education at University of California-Irvine

UC Irvine's education bachelor's graduates face an unusually difficult first year, earning just $26,106—landing this program in the bottom 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile within California. That's roughly $8,600 below the state median and $12,500 below the national average. The saving grace? Earnings essentially double by year four to $52,320, ultimately surpassing both state and national benchmarks. This dramatic trajectory suggests graduates are entering education in entry-level or substitute positions before securing full teaching contracts with credential completion.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $15,575, borrowers owe about $8,500 less than the national median and considerably less than California's typical $24,030. That translates to manageable monthly payments even during that lean first year. Still, starting at nearly poverty wages means recent graduates will likely need family support or second jobs initially, regardless of the lighter debt load.

For families comfortable weathering a tough transition period, this program leads to solid middle-class earnings with reasonable debt—assuming your child completes their teaching credential and secures a permanent position. But parents should plan financially for that first year, when earnings won't cover independent living in expensive California markets. The eventual payoff is real, but the path isn't immediate.