Earnings Distribution
How University of California-San Diego 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-San Diego | $89,022 | $156,509 | +76% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $111,486 | $128,408 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Physics doctoral's programs at peer institutions in California (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $89,022 | $156,509 | — | — |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $116,750 | — | — | — |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $106,324 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $99,494 | — | — | — |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
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.