Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Where University of California-Santa Barbara Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all area studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Santa Barbara | — | $38,467 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $50,728 | $77,557 | +53% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $23,819 | $55,626 | +134% |
| California State University-Long Beach | $28,591 | $51,163 | +79% |
| California State University-Fullerton | $29,316 | $47,728 | +63% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Area Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara | $14,965 | $27,692* | $38,467 | $22,697 | — |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $50,728* | $77,557 | $14,972 | 0.30 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $30,897* | — | — | — |
 California State University-FullertonFullerton | $7,073 | $29,316* | $47,728 | $17,500 | 0.60 |
 California State University-Long BeachLong Beach | $7,008 | $28,591* | $51,163 | $15,697 | 0.55 |
 California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge | $7,095 | $26,793* | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $34,211* | — | $20,552 | 0.60 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with area studies graduates
Explore Related Programs
Area Studies in California
- University of California-Berkeley$50,728
- University of California-Irvine$30,897
- California State University-Fullerton$29,316
- California State University-Long Beach$28,591
- California State University-Northridge$26,793
Explore further
- All Programs examining the history, culture, and experiences of specific regions, ethnic groups, or cultural communities. Includes African American studies, Latin American studies, and Asian studies. programs nationwide
- All programs at University of California-Santa Barbara
- College programs in California
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-Santa Barbara, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.