Physics at University of California-San Diego
Doctoral Degree
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-San Diego graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of California-San Diego graduates earn $89k, placing them in the 29th percentile of all physics doctoral programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Physics doctoral's programs at peer institutions in California (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-San Diego | $89,022 | $156,509 | — | — |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $116,750 | — | — | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $106,324 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $99,494 | — | — | — |
Other Physics Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $116,750 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $106,324 | — |
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-San Diego, approximately 33% 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.