University of California-Santa Barbara ROI Analysis
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
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
630%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of California-Santa Barbara alumni earn a median of $38,259. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $56,852, and after ten years, median earnings reach $74,915. The median debt for graduates is $13,993. 20.2% of students receive financial aid.
The annual in-state tuition cost is $14,965. Given the median debt of $13,993 and the one-year post-graduation earnings of $38,259, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.37.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $88,311 | 1681% |
| Sociology | $50,703 | 425% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $53,297 | 511% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,114 | 773% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $78,327 | 1348% |
| International/Global Studies | $52,229 | 476% |
| Biology, General | $57,735 | 660% |
| Political Science and Government | $62,470 | 818% |
| Statistics | $81,375 | 1449% |
| Education, General | $96,769 | 1964% |
| Mathematics | $64,574 | 888% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $46,505 | 284% |
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.