Research and Experimental Psychology at University of California-Riverside

UC Riverside's Research and Experimental Psychology program presents concerning financial outcomes that warrant serious consideration. With median first-year earnings of just $25,654, graduates earn significantly below both the national median ($34,768) and California median ($28,789) for this field. This places the program in the bottom 5th percentile nationally, though it performs closer to the middle of the pack among California schools (40th percentile).

The debt picture offers some relief—at $18,500, graduates carry less debt than typical psychology majors nationally ($21,500) and only moderately more than the California average ($15,500). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 is manageable, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their debt load in less than nine months of work. However, when compared to other UC campuses offering this program, Riverside trails significantly, with Berkeley and Santa Barbara graduates earning nearly $9,000 more annually.

For families considering this investment, the low starting salary is the primary concern. While the debt load is reasonable and UCR serves many first-generation college students well, parents should understand that psychology typically requires graduate school for meaningful career advancement. If your child is set on psychology and UCR is the most affordable option, the manageable debt provides a foundation for further education, but don't expect strong immediate earning potential.