Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at University of California-Davis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UC Davis's Management Sciences program stands out primarily for one thing: exceptionally low debt loads. At just over $12,000 in median debt, graduates carry 48% less debt than the typical California student in this field and nearly half the national average. This places the program in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt—a significant advantage in today's higher education landscape.
The earnings picture is more modest. First-year graduates earn about $53,000, which falls short of both the national median ($62,000) and sits below average among California's 15 programs offering this degree. Within the UC system, Davis trails significantly behind Santa Barbara ($66,000) and San Diego ($61,000) for the same program. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 is quite manageable, meaning graduates typically owe less than three months of their annual salary.
For anxious parents, this program offers a relatively safe bet: your child gets a UC education with minimal financial burden, even if the immediate earning potential isn't spectacular. The low debt provides flexibility for graduate school or career pivoting without crushing monthly payments. While other UC campuses deliver higher starting salaries in this field, the debt advantage at Davis may prove more valuable long-term, especially for students considering further education in business or analytics.
Where University of California-Davis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Davis graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of California-Davis graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Davis | $52,684 | — | $12,144 | 0.23 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $66,099 | $86,107 | $11,128 | 0.17 |
| University of California-San Diego | $60,973 | $71,520 | $17,500 | 0.29 |
| California Lutheran University | $57,276 | — | $24,728 | 0.43 |
| California State University-Fullerton | $49,830 | — | $12,375 | 0.25 |
| San Francisco State University | $48,546 | $68,908 | $20,500 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $62,069 | — | $23,250 | 0.37 |
Other Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara | $14,965 | $66,099 | $11,128 |
| University of California-San Diego La Jolla | $15,265 | $60,973 | $17,500 |
| California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks | $50,670 | $57,276 | $24,728 |
| California State University-Fullerton Fullerton | $7,073 | $49,830 | $12,375 |
| San Francisco State University San Francisco | $7,424 | $48,546 | $20,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of California-Davis, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 338 graduates with reported earnings and 297 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.