At $16,607/yr net price, University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn $68,396/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,396/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,607 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,396/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,396/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,666 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,472/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,114/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,001/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,786/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,674/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,150 | $23,434 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $16,796 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,530 | $16,499 |
| Economics. | Master | $61,516 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $60,185 | $20,020 |
| Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research. | Master | $54,894 | $30,726 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $51,607 | $16,519 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $23,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $44,356 | $18,017 |
The Risk Factor
74.5% of students at University of California-Santa Cruz graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
UC Santa Cruz gives you a solid financial return, with median debt at graduation lower than one year's median earnings. That ratio means most graduates can clear their loans quickly, and a 74.5% grad rate plus nearly 90% retention means you have a real chance of finishing and getting to the payoff.
Engineering is where the money is. Computer engineering graduates out-earn business economics majors by more than $27,000 a year, and they carry the heaviest debt load on this list at $23,434. That debt still pays off fast against a starting salary near $79,000. Electrical engineering and computer science both clear the median campus earnings while keeping debt around $16,500, making them the cleanest value bets here. Business/managerial economics sits at the bottom of the top-earning programs, so if you come for economics, expect a return closer to the median than to the engineering premium.
The main risk is the drop-off outside these technical majors. The top five programs are dominated by computing and engineering, and Santa Cruz sits inside the Bay Area tech pipeline, so those salaries reflect regional demand you should not assume extends to unlisted humanities or social science majors.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families heavily. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $9,500 to $10,000 a year. That jumps to $18,786 in the $75,000-$110,000 band and $32,674 above $110,000 , more than triple the lowest tier. If your family lands in that top bracket, four years approaches six figures before aid, so the engineering payoff matters most to you.
This school fits you well if you plan to study computing or engineering, especially from a lower-income household. If you want a non-technical major and your family pays the top-tier price, run the numbers carefully first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Santa Cruz worth the cost for computer science?
UC Santa Cruz computer science graduates earn $63,530 annually with relatively low debt of $16,666, making it a solid investment. Computer engineering majors do even better at $79,150, while the $16,607 annual net price keeps costs reasonable for a UC education.
What is the ROI like for University of California-Santa Cruz graduates?
UC Santa Cruz graduates earn $68,396 ten years after graduation with median debt under $17,000, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. The 75% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional for a UC campus.
How much debt do University of California-Santa Cruz students typically have?
UC Santa Cruz graduates have median debt of $16,666, which is manageable compared to many universities. The relatively low net price of $16,607 per year helps keep borrowing down for most students.
Which majors at University of California-Santa Cruz have the best job prospects?
Engineering programs lead earnings at UC Santa Cruz, with computer engineering graduates making $79,150 and electrical engineering at $69,338. Economics and computer science also provide strong returns, while other majors may struggle to justify the investment.