Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies at University of California-Berkeley

UC Berkeley's Ethnic Studies program starts at a modest $34,559 but jumps 59% to nearly $55,000 by year four—a growth trajectory that outpaces most peer programs. While that first-year figure sits below Berkeley's typical outcomes, graduates appear to hit their stride quickly, catching up to and often surpassing peers from other California universities who started with higher initial earnings.

The financial picture is compelling: with just $15,740 in median debt (well below the national average of $23,000), graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46. This program performs in the 60th percentile among California's 45 institutions offering ethnic studies—decent though not exceptional in a state with strong programs at Cal State East Bay and Stanford. The relatively low debt burden means graduates have breathing room to pursue careers in education, nonprofit work, or advocacy without being trapped by loan payments.

The real value here is flexibility plus Berkeley's brand. While year-one earnings lag behind some career-focused majors, the strong earnings growth suggests graduates find pathways to stable careers. At a highly selective institution where 27% of students receive Pell grants, this program offers upward mobility with minimal financial risk—though students focused purely on maximizing early earnings might find faster returns elsewhere.