University of California-Santa Barbara
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$59,860
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$21,852/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
630%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of California-Santa Barbara has an in-state tuition of $14,965. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $38,259. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $56,852, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $74,915. The median debt for graduates is $13,993, and 20.2% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for graduates is favorable. The median debt of $13,993 is a small fraction of the one-year median earnings of $38,259. The break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,965
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,993
Median Earnings (5yr)
$56,852
Graduation Rate
86%
Receive Financial Aid
20%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology. | $59,860 | $50,703 | 425% |
| Economics. | $59,860 | $88,311 | 1681% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $59,860 | $53,297 | 511% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $59,860 | $61,114 | 773% |
| Biology, General. | $59,860 | $57,735 | 660% |
| International/Global Studies. | $59,860 | $52,229 | 476% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $59,860 | $57,262 | 644% |
| Political Science and Government. | $59,860 | $62,470 | 818% |
| Statistics. | $59,860 | $81,375 | 1449% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $59,860 | $46,505 | 284% |
| Mathematics. | $59,860 | $64,574 | 888% |
| History. | $59,860 | $47,117 | 305% |
Peer Comparison
630%
20yr ROI
150%
20yr ROI
1127%
20yr ROI
264%
20yr ROI
664%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.