Urban Studies/Affairs at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego's Urban Studies program starts slowly but transforms dramatically—first-year earnings of $37,074 trail other California programs by nearly $10,000, ranking just 25th percentile statewide. But something shifts: by year four, graduates earn $65,845, substantially exceeding both the state median ($46,826) and Berkeley grads' first-year outcomes ($58,171). That 78% earnings jump is among the steepest you'll see in this field, suggesting graduates either access networks that open doors over time or develop skills that take a few years to monetize in the job market.

The debt load of $17,500 is reasonable and below the California median, making the slow start less concerning than it might otherwise be. You're essentially betting on patience—if your child can weather those first lean years (perhaps living at home or having financial support), the trajectory looks promising. The trade-off is real: programs like SF State deliver stronger immediate earnings without the UC San Diego brand premium, but may not have the same four-year potential.

For families who can afford to play the long game, this program's arc justifies the investment. But if your child needs immediate earning power after graduation—to pay rent independently or support themselves fully—the delayed payoff creates genuine financial stress in those crucial early career years.