University of California-Santa Barbara: Is It Worth It?
Santa Barbara, California · Public · Website
ROI Score
10.6
Net Price/Year
$16,109
avg with financial aid
10yr Earnings
$74,915
median, all graduates
Median Debt
$13,993
at graduation
Is University of California-Santa Barbara Worth It?
Graduates earn a median of $74,915 per year ten years after enrollment. With an average net price of $16,109 per year, the total estimated cost for a four-year degree is approximately $64,436.
Based on median earnings, the degree typically pays for itself in approximately 0.9 years.
The median graduate leaves with $13,993 in debt, which represents about 19%of one year's earnings at the 10-year mark.
Note: These figures reflect all graduates regardless of major. Individual outcomes vary significantly by field of study, career choices, and personal circumstances.
Earnings vs. Debt
Net Price by Family Income
Admissions Snapshot
Acceptance Rate
33.0%
Avg SAT
N/A
ACT Midpoint
N/A
Enrollment
23,113
Completion & Retention
6-Year Graduation Rate
84.3%
National avg: ~60%
Retention Rate
93.0%
First-year students returning
3yr Repayment Rate
596200.0%
Grads making progress on loans
Cost Breakdown
In-State Tuition
$16,414
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,614
Avg Net Price
$16,109
After grants/scholarships
Similar Schools
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
ROI: 36.3
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
ROI: 31.9
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
ROI: 25.1
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
ROI: 25.0
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
ROI: 23.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Santa Barbara worth the money?
Based on federal data, University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn a median of $74,915 ten years after enrollment, with a median debt of $13,993 at graduation. The ROI score is 10.6.
What do University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of California-Santa Barbara graduates is $56,852 six years after enrollment and $74,915 ten years after enrollment, according to the College Scorecard.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Barbara?
The acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Barbara is 33.0%.
How much debt do University of California-Santa Barbara graduates have?
The median debt at graduation for University of California-Santa Barbara students is $13,993.
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings data reflects median earnings 10 years after enrollment for all graduates. Debt figures reflect median debt at graduation for completers. Individual outcomes may vary.