Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego psychology graduates face a rough first year—earning just $27,000, which places them in the bottom 15% nationally—but their earnings nearly double by year four to $52,000. This trajectory suggests many graduates pursue required internships, certifications, or graduate school preparation immediately after graduation before moving into more established roles. Among California's psychology programs, this lands squarely in the middle (40th percentile), though it trails several Cal State campuses that place graduates into steadier early positions.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $15,000, UC San Diego's cost runs significantly below both state and national medians, making the low initial earnings more tolerable. That said, parents should understand what they're financing—a degree that requires patience and likely additional credentials before reaching solid earning potential. The four-year numbers suggest this investment can work, but it demands either family financial support during that first year or a willingness to cobble together part-time work while gaining experience.

For families comfortable with delayed returns and who can manage that challenging first year, the combination of UCSD's brand, reasonable debt, and eventual earnings growth makes sense. But if your child needs immediate income after graduation, programs at Cal State San Bernardino or LA show stronger out-of-the-gate performance.