Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at UC San Diego vary significantly by field of study, with Computer Science and Engineering leading in median earnings while Liberal Arts programs emphasize preparation for graduate study and public service careers. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 48 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out for national rankings, strong earnings performance, and substantial enrollment sizes.
#19 nationally
$46K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of California-San Diego.
Engineering programs at UC San Diego deliver exceptional earning potential and national recognition. Computer Science ranks #19 nationally with $131,731 median earnings, while Computer Engineering achieves #6 nationally with $126,160 outcomes.
These programs combine UC San Diego's research strengths with strong industry connections in Southern California's tech sector. Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering round out the portfolio with six-figure earning potential.
This group stands out for students prioritizing immediate post-graduation earning power and technical career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes using federal College Scorecard data, which tracks median earnings of graduates 10 years after enrollment. Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because graduates enter different career paths with varying earning potential and educational requirements. Computer Science graduates typically enter high-paying technology roles immediately, while Biology graduates often pursue additional education before entering higher-earning health professions. Debt levels may vary by program due to different completion timelines and student borrowing patterns. Rankings are based on institutions with at least 10 graduates in each program, ensuring statistical reliability while excluding very small programs that might show misleading results due to small sample sizes.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| #19 |
| $131,731★ |
| $30,678 |
| 435 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #6 | $126,160 | — | 124 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #12 | $102,389 | — | 159 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #7 | $96,808 | — | 92 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #14 | $94,289 | — | 179 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #6 | $90,793 | $15,000 | 75 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #43 | $85,181 | — | 105 |
| Engineering, Other. | #3 | $84,972 | $42,800 | 65 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #24 | $82,584 | — | 102 |
| Biological/Biosystems Engineering. | #3 | $67,016 | — | 27 |
Actuarial Science provides specialized quantitative training with $71,520 median earnings, ranking #30 nationally. This program serves students interested in risk analysis and insurance careers, combining mathematical rigor with business applications.
The program offers strong earning potential for students who complete the actuarial examination sequence, leading to professional certification in the insurance and financial services industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science. | #28 | $71,520 | — | 126 |
Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #19 nationally and #6 in California with $53,015 median earnings, reflecting UC San Diego's interdisciplinary approach to health education. This program combines behavioral science with health applications, preparing students for careers in public health, health policy, or graduate training in health-related fields.
The strong national ranking demonstrates the program's innovative approach to health education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #19 | $53,015 | $21,640 | 250 |
Science and mathematics programs balance research preparation with professional opportunities. Analytical Chemistry ranks #5 nationally with $60,796 earnings, while Applied Mathematics achieves strong regional recognition.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate school continuation, with many pursuing advanced degrees in research or professional fields. Mathematics programs show more modest immediate earnings but provide excellent preparation for quantitative careers.
Best suited for students interested in research pathways or graduate school preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics. | #2 | $115,165★ | — | 77 |
| Acoustics. | #10 | $77,660 | — | 78 |
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #14 | $69,079 | — | 141 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #8 | $60,796 | — | 259 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #76 | $56,452 | — | 252 |
| Biology, General. | #42 | $56,216 | $23,455 | 302 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #13 | $55,660 | $29,376 | 183 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #12 | $53,331 | $26,500 | 389 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #8 | $45,476 | $34,813 | 114 |
| Immunology. | #25 | $43,608 | — | 49 |
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #40 | $36,676 | — | 82 |
Social science programs at UC San Diego emphasize analytical training with diverse career applications. Applied Economics ranks #60 nationally with $68,970 earnings, while American Government and Politics achieves #50 nationally with $55,931 outcomes.
Psychology serves as preparation for graduate study with more modest immediate earnings but strong foundation for advanced training. These programs suit students interested in public service, policy analysis, or graduate school preparation in social sciences.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #60 | $68,970★ | $20,957 | 403 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs. | #4 | $65,845 | — | 45 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #49 | $55,931 | $22,145 | 390 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #33 | $52,444 | — | 121 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | #4 | $52,252 | — | 121 |
| Psychology, Other. | #2 | $47,672 | — | 57 |
| Psychology, General. | #75 | $47,072 | $12,000 | 200 |
| Anthropology, General. | #33 | $40,554 | — | 77 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #54 | $15,817 | — | 85 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #37 nationally with $55,039 median earnings, providing solid preparation for media, marketing, and communication careers. This program demonstrates UC San Diego's strength beyond STEM fields, offering students training in digital communication and media analysis.
The program balances theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates for diverse communication roles in modern organizations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #37 | $55,039 | $22,345 | 239 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 38K on average, with 2 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #67 | $48,919★ | — | 90 |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | #2 | $45,739 | — | 49 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #21 | $44,631 | — | 61 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #47 | $43,657 | — | 33 |
| Digital Arts. | #3 | $38,954 | — | 116 |
| Acting. | #13 | $37,883 | — | 47 |
| Brass Instruments. | #137 | $28,309 | — | 32 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #310 | $26,353 | — | 30 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #83 | $24,669 | — | 41 |
Agriculture & Environment graduates earn 62K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #6 | $62,369 | — | 66 |
UC San Diego's interdisciplinary programs demonstrate exceptional innovation and outcomes. International/Globalization Studies ranks #2 nationally and #1 in California with strong $63,294 earnings.
Cognitive Science, the university's largest program with 632 graduates, ranks #3 nationally while producing $67,751 median earnings. Mathematics and Computer Science combines quantitative training with technical skills, ranking #4 nationally.
These programs reflect UC San Diego's strength in boundary-crossing education that prepares students for complex modern careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | #4 | $89,651★ | $24,242 | 306 |
| Cognitive Science, General. | #3 | $67,751 | $21,603 | 632 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #2 | $63,294 | $30,483 | 631 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #10 | $49,899 | — | 71 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #15 | $47,820 | — | 45 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
