Analysis
UC Irvine's interdisciplinary studies program starts below expectations but shows impressive momentum. First-year graduates earn $35,404—below both the national median ($38,704) and California's median ($40,432) for this major. However, earnings jump 46% by year four to reach $51,708, eventually surpassing the state median and approaching what UCLA graduates earn. This trajectory suggests the program's value compounds with experience, though families should prepare for a slower financial start than many UC programs deliver.
The debt picture offers genuine relief: at $16,332, graduates carry roughly $9,000 less than the California median for interdisciplinary programs. This keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.46 even during that modest first year. Among California's 50 programs in this field, UCI ranks around the 40th percentile for initial earnings—middle of the pack in a competitive state—but the combination of low debt and strong earnings growth changes the calculation considerably.
For families who can support a graduate through those early years, this program becomes increasingly attractive over time. The 46% earnings increase suggests these graduates develop valuable, marketable skills that take time to translate into compensation. Just don't expect the immediate earning power of UCLA or UC Berkeley's interdisciplinary graduates, who start $10,000 higher. The real value here is in trajectory, not velocity.
Where University of California-Irvine Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies 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 | $35,404 | $51,708 | +46% |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $45,461 | $76,643 | +69% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $46,154 | $65,593 | +42% |
| San Diego State University | $33,165 | $39,325 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (50 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 | $35,404 | $51,708 | $16,332 | 0.46 |
 University of the PacificStockton | $55,340 | $104,803 | $165,593 | $15,500 | 0.15 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $46,154 | $65,593 | $15,000 | 0.32 |
 California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata | $7,913 | $45,490 | $38,755 | $18,196 | 0.40 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $45,461 | $76,643 | $14,500 | 0.32 |
 San Diego State UniversitySan Diego | $8,290 | $33,165 | $39,325 | $15,862 | 0.48 |
| National Median | — | $38,704 | — | $25,495 | 0.66 |
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 73 graduates with reported earnings and 80 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.