Statistics at University of California-Davis

UC Davis statistics graduates start at a modest $49,264—well below the national median and sitting right at California's middle of the pack. But here's what matters: earnings nearly double by year four to $80,650, vaulting past both national and state benchmarks. That 64% growth trajectory suggests graduates are entering at junior positions but quickly moving into data science, analytics, or tech roles where their quantitative skills command premium pay.

The $15,000 median debt is exceptionally low—in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning only 5% of statistics programs nationwide produce less debt. This manageable burden gives graduates flexibility to take strategic first jobs or pursue graduate study without financial pressure. While UC Berkeley's statistics grads earn significantly more out of the gate ($83,227), they're competing in a tight job market right after graduation. Davis grads have time to catch up with far less debt weighing them down.

The first-year salary lag likely reflects this program's broad curriculum rather than a specialized data science focus, meaning graduates need a year or two of experience to specialize and command market rates. But with debt of just 30% of starting salary and strong mid-career earnings, this represents solid value—especially for in-state students paying UC tuition rates. The key is being patient and strategic about that first position.