Mathematics and Computer Science at University of California-Irvine

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 represents solid financial footing for a technical degree, though it's worth understanding that both the $91,851 earnings figure and $24,082 debt estimate come from peer programs rather than UC Irvine's actual graduates in this combined major. Similar mathematics and computer science programs in California suggest first-year earnings right at the state median, which aligns closely with the national benchmark of $89,651. The estimated debt sits slightly above California's median of $21,500 but remains manageable—graduates would theoretically be earning enough to pay off loans within three years using standard repayment calculations.

The challenge here is that this interdisciplinary program likely attracts a small number of graduates each year, making its actual outcomes invisible in the data. What we can say is that UC Irvine charges competitive rates for a UC education (37% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting reasonable accessibility), and comparable programs across the state produce outcomes that make financial sense. The program sits between pure computer science and pure mathematics, which could mean either excellent versatility or less specialized training depending on curriculum focus.

For families willing to accept some uncertainty, the fundamentals look reasonable: modest estimated debt paired with strong estimated earnings in a field with genuine labor market demand. Just recognize you're making this decision without seeing this specific program's track record, so connecting with current students or recent alumni becomes especially important for understanding what actually happens after graduation.