Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,541/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,541/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,501 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,012 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $56,544 | $43,148 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $38,721 | $75,165 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $33,281 | $34,150 |
Analysis
Antioch University-Santa Barbara delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $51,541 and typical debt loads of $23,501, your financial outlook remains constrained compared to other California options.
Business Administration offers the strongest earning potential at $62,012 annually, making it the only program where graduates can comfortably service their debt while building wealth. Education graduates earn a respectable $56,544 but carry concerning debt levels of $43,148 that will strain budgets on teacher salaries. Psychology majors face poor prospects at $42,682 in earnings, while Clinical Psychology creates a financial disaster with $75,165 in debt against just $38,721 in annual income.
Liberal Arts graduates encounter the worst outcome, earning only $35,060 while carrying $25,000 in debt. This combination virtually guarantees financial struggle in expensive Santa Barbara, where housing costs alone consume most entry-level salaries.
The school works financially only if you pursue Business Administration with minimal borrowing or can afford to pay cash. Education majors should consider state schools with lower debt loads. Psychology students should look elsewhere entirely, as the earnings cannot support the borrowing required.
With only 41.67% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best strategy involves maximizing aid applications and having backup options at less expensive institutions. Unless you have substantial family support or qualify for significant aid, this school poses serious financial risks that outweigh its benefits in most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antioch University-Santa Barbara worth the cost for the earnings you get?
Graduates earn a median of $51,541 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. The relatively low median debt of $23,501 helps, but the earnings don't justify high costs for most students.
Which programs at Antioch University-Santa Barbara have the best ROI?
Business Administration graduates earn around $62,012, making it the highest-paying program. Education majors earn $56,544, while psychology and liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $42,682 and $35,060 respectively.
What is the debt situation like at Antioch University-Santa Barbara?
The median debt of $23,501 is lower than many private colleges. However, with modest post-graduation earnings, even this debt level can create financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like psychology or liberal arts.
Should I attend Antioch University-Santa Barbara for a psychology degree?
Psychology graduates from Antioch University-Santa Barbara earn only $42,682 after ten years, which makes it difficult to justify the costs. Consider the debt-to-income ratio carefully, especially if pursuing graduate school for better earning potential.