Students at UC Irvine achieve exceptional earnings that far exceed what similar students earn at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest financial advantages among public universities nationwide.
Graduates consistently outperform expectations across all income backgrounds, with particularly remarkable outcomes for first-generation and low-income students.
Azimuth ranks the University of California-Irvine among the top public universities nationwide, reflecting its exceptional balance of academic excellence and long-term value. UC Irvine stands out for delivering some of the strongest earnings outcomes in the country, with graduates earning a median of $80,735 ten years after enrollment—placing the university in the 92nd percentile nationally. What makes this performance particularly impressive is how consistently it serves students from diverse backgrounds, with 37% of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and 44% being first-generation college students.
The university's strength lies in its ability to combine broad access with elite outcomes. As a designated "Mobility Engine," UC Irvine not only opens its doors to students from all economic backgrounds but helps them achieve remarkable financial success. Low-income graduates earn a median of $66,200 ten years out, ranking in the 93rd percentile nationally—a testament to the institution's commitment to economic mobility.
Located in Orange County's innovation corridor, UC Irvine benefits from proximity to major employers in technology, biotechnology, and healthcare. This geographic advantage, combined with the university's research intensity and strong alumni networks, creates exceptional opportunities for internships, career placement, and long-term professional growth across California's most dynamic industries.
UC Irvine's program portfolio strategically balances high-enrollment foundational majors with specialized fields that lead to exceptional career outcomes. Computer Science dominates both in scale and financial returns, graduating 805 students annually with median earnings of $73,128, making it the university's economic engine. Biology, while the largest program with 770 graduates, shows more variable outcomes depending on career path—from modest early earnings for research positions to strong preparation for medical and graduate school.
The university's health sciences programs deliver some of the highest individual earnings, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $81,929 early in their careers. These specialized programs, while smaller in enrollment, demonstrate UC Irvine's strength in preparing students for high-demand healthcare roles where compensation and job security remain strong.
UC Irvine's location in Orange County provides unique advantages for program development and career placement. The region's concentration of technology companies, biotechnology firms, and healthcare systems creates natural pipelines from academic programs to high-paying careers. This geographic advantage, combined with the university's research intensity, helps explain why graduates across multiple fields consistently achieve earnings that exceed national expectations for their majors.
UC Irvine graduates achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes that rank among the best in the nation. With median earnings of $80,735 ten years after enrollment, graduates significantly outperform expectations, earning about $16,438 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage places UC Irvine in the 92nd percentile nationally for both absolute earnings and earnings beyond expectations, reflecting the university's ability to deliver substantial value regardless of students' academic backgrounds.
The university's program portfolio drives these strong outcomes through a strategic mix of high-demand fields. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, graduating 805 students annually with median earnings of $73,128—combining substantial enrollment with excellent pay. Biology represents the largest program with 770 graduates, though earnings vary significantly by career path, from research roles to medical school preparation. Adult Health Nursing delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $81,929, while specialized programs like Clinical and Industrial Drug Development show more modest early-career returns but often lead to advanced degree pathways.
UC Irvine's location in Orange County provides graduates access to one of the nation's most dynamic job markets, with major employers in technology, biotechnology, aerospace, and healthcare actively recruiting from campus. The university's research intensity and industry partnerships create pathways into high-growth sectors where earnings continue to accelerate throughout graduates' careers, explaining why UC Irvine consistently delivers such strong long-term financial outcomes.
UC Irvine offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families, with net prices that make this elite public university accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay an average of $6,485 annually, well below most comparable research universities, while middle-income families face costs of $11,769 per year. Even high-income families pay $29,595, which remains competitive for a university of UC Irvine's caliber and location in high-cost Orange County.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $15,000, a modest amount that reflects both the university's generous financial aid and students' ability to cover costs through grants, work-study, and family contributions. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $22,127, reasonable for families who choose to invest directly in their students' education at a top-tier research university.
What makes UC Irvine particularly sustainable financially is how comfortably graduates can service their educational investments. With median earnings approaching $81,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard loan repayment without strain. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates consistently manage their debt obligations successfully, supported by strong career services and robust employer recruitment that helps students transition smoothly into well-paying careers.
University Of California-Irvine Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
