Applied Mathematics at University of California-Santa Barbara

UCSB's applied mathematics program looks solid on paper, but the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. That caveat aside, the trajectory here is promising: graduates start around $60,000 and reach $86,000 four years out, a 45% jump that outpaces typical wage growth. Within California, that puts UCSB in the 60th percentile for applied math programs, trailing Berkeley and USC by a meaningful margin but holding its own against other UCs. The $17,000 debt load is reasonable, translating to a 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio that most families can manage.

The real question is whether UCSB offers enough value given its 28% admission rate—selective but not impossible. You're paying UC tuition for a program that performs middle-of-the-pack nationally (46th percentile) but above-average within California's competitive landscape. Four years out, UCSB graduates are earning more than those from UC Davis or UC San Diego, suggesting decent placement into quantitative careers. The earnings growth pattern indicates these grads are landing jobs with real advancement potential, not just entry-level positions.

For California residents getting in-state tuition, this is a reasonable bet—manageable debt, solid earnings growth, and a respected UC degree. The small sample means you can't bank on these exact numbers, but the fundamentals (low debt, strong four-year earnings) suggest graduates are finding their footing in data science, tech, or finance roles where applied math skills translate to pay.