Location: Santa Barbara, CA•In-State Tuition: $14,965•Out-of-State Tuition: $45,742•Admission Rate: 28%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$91,387
94th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$14,410
41% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.16 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

UC Santa Barbara's Computer Engineering program launches graduates into six-figure earnings territory, with first-year pay of $91,387 climbing to $114,658 by year four—both well above the national median of $79,000. The $14,410 median debt is remarkably low, giving graduates one of the best debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in engineering. Nationally, this program ranks in the 94th percentile for earnings and 95th for low debt, which is exceptional.

The California story is more nuanced. While UCSB significantly outperforms the state median of $75,692, it sits in the middle of the UC system's engineering programs. Cal Poly SLO and Santa Clara lead at over $100,000, with UC Davis and San Diego just ahead of UCSB. Still, the 60th percentile ranking among California's 31 computer engineering programs is solid, especially considering the minimal debt burden—far below California's typical $19,086.

One caution: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. That said, the combination of strong earnings trajectory, minimal debt, and UC's reputation makes this a low-risk proposition. Your child gets access to a top-tier engineering program with manageable borrowing and earnings that position them well in California's competitive tech market.

Where University of California-Santa Barbara Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

University of California-Santa BarbaraOther computer engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of California-Santa Barbara graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of California-Santa Barbara earns $91k — 94th percentile among computer engineering bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of California-Santa Barbara$91,387$114,658+25%
Santa Clara University$103,804$159,782+54%
University of California-San Diego$96,256$126,160+31%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$111,560$122,307+10%
University of California-Davis$96,418$120,745+25%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (31 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara$14,965$91,387$114,658$14,4100.16
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$111,560$122,307$20,5560.18
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$103,804$159,782$24,6660.24
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$96,418$120,745$12,8040.13
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$96,256$126,160$18,4970.19
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz$14,560$79,969$118,191$23,3920.29
National Median—$78,952—$24,5000.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.

Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.