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 sits in a tough financial spot. Your median earnings ten years out land at about $51,500, which is modest for a private-nonprofit school in one of the most expensive metros in California. Median debt around $23,500 is manageable in isolation, but the return that debt buys is the problem.
The only bachelor-level program with reported data is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, and it pays roughly $35,000 a year while carrying $25,000 in debt. That is a weak trade. You would owe nearly a year's salary and start in a city where rent and living costs run far above the national average. If this general-studies path is what you are considering here, the numbers do not work in your favor, and you should look at programs with clearer career lines elsewhere.
The gap between the school-wide $51,500 median and the $35,000 humanities figure tells you the stronger earnings come from graduate and continuing-education students, not from an undergraduate degree. Antioch's model leans adult and post-baccalaureate, so a traditional undergrad chasing a first career gets the least out of this price and place.
Santa Barbara's cost of living is the specific risk. A $35,000 salary that might stretch elsewhere leaves little room here after housing.
This school fits you if you are an adult learner completing a degree tied to work you already have, where the credential fills a gap and the salary is not your starting point. If you are 18 and need a degree that pays back a loan quickly, the undergraduate outcomes here do not support that. Check the net price tiers against your family income before committing. at lower incomes the aid may make the humanities path defensible, but at higher net prices the return is hard to justify.
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.