Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.3%
- Retention Rate
- 91.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $74,915
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,993
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $148/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics. | Doctoral | $95,688 | |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $94,408 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $81,554 | $13,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,773 | $14,410 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,134 | $15,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $63,997 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $60,790 | $13,440 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,452 | $15,000 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $59,536 | $17,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,485 | $14,937 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $57,860 | $32,485 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $15,965 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $11,128 |
| Statistics. | Bachelor | $47,650 | $17,167 |
Outcomes Overview
UCSB graduates earn a median salary of $74,915 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 19%. Monthly loan payments average $148, representing only 2.4% of typical graduate income. The 92.4% employment rate reflects strong job market performance. Many graduates enter tech companies in Silicon Valley, entertainment industry roles in Los Angeles, or pursue advanced degrees given UCSB's research university status. The quarter system and proximity to major California job markets help students build networks early. With relatively low debt loads and solid earning potential across diverse fields, UCSB delivers a strong return on investment for both in-state and out-of-state students.