At $12,840/yr net price, University of California-Irvine graduates earn $80,735/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $46,735/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,840 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,360 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $80,735/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$46,735/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,485/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,044/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,769/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,809/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,595/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $190,536 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $115,339 | $85,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $97,959 | $133,605 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $92,632 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $90,983 | $72,394 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,929 | $13,500 |
| Sociology. | Doctoral | $81,111 | |
| Criminology. | Doctoral | $79,450 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $79,284 | |
| Economics. | Doctoral | $78,971 |
The Risk Factor
86.0% of students at University of California-Irvine graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UC Irvine delivers strong financial returns with graduates earning $80,735 ten years after graduation while carrying just $15,000 in median debt. This combination of solid earnings and low debt creates favorable ROI conditions for most students.
Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates command strong salaries at $190,536 annually, making this program UC Irvine's financial standout. Physics majors also perform well at $92,632 with minimal debt loads. However, nursing graduates face a financial contradiction: strong $115,339 salaries come with heavy $85,000 debt burdens that diminish short-term returns. Law school presents an even starker trade-off with $133,605 in debt against $97,959 earnings.
You benefit from UC Irvine's position in Orange County's tech-heavy economy, where engineering and computer science graduates find abundant opportunities at nearby companies. The school's proximity to biotech firms also supports strong outcomes in life sciences programs.
UC Irvine works best financially if you can graduate debt-free or with minimal borrowing. The low $12,840 net price makes this achievable for many California residents. You should avoid this school if you need extensive borrowing for professional programs like law or nursing, where debt levels can undermine the degree's value.
The school's 86% graduation rate and 94% retention rate indicate strong academic support systems that help students complete degrees on time. This completion reliability protects your investment by reducing the risk of dropping out with debt but no degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Irvine worth the cost?
UC Irvine offers strong ROI with graduates earning $80,735 annually and graduating with only $15,000 in median debt. The low net price of $12,840 per year makes it affordable compared to most universities.
What are the highest paying majors at University of California-Irvine?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads at $190,536 annually, followed by Nursing at $115,339 and Law at $97,959. These programs significantly outpace the overall graduate average of $80,735.
How much student debt do University of California-Irvine graduates have?
UC Irvine graduates have a median debt of $15,000, which is manageable given the average starting salary of $80,735. This debt-to-income ratio makes repayment realistic for most graduates.
Does University of California-Irvine have good financial aid?
The net price of $12,840 per year suggests decent financial aid, especially for a selective university with a 21% acceptance rate. The 86% graduation rate indicates students can afford to complete their degrees.