Computer Science at University of California-Santa Barbara
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UC Santa Barbara's computer science program punches well above its weight, with graduates earning $107,776 right out of school—that's 52% more than the typical California CS grad and nearly 50% above the national median. Among all California computer science programs, UCSB ranks in the 95th percentile for earnings while keeping debt remarkably low at just $11,000, a fraction of the national median. This combination of strong earnings and minimal debt puts UCSB graduates in a fundamentally different financial position than most of their peers.
What makes this particularly compelling is that UCSB achieves these outcomes at an admission rate of 28%, making it more accessible than Stanford or Berkeley while delivering comparable early-career value. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 means graduates can theoretically pay off their student loans in just over a month of work. While UCSB doesn't quite match the stratospheric starting salaries at Caltech or Berkeley (where grads earn $173K and $150K respectively), the 10% earnings growth to nearly $119,000 by year four shows steady trajectory, and the minimal debt burden means UCSB graduates keep far more of what they earn.
For families weighing UC options, UCSB represents the sweet spot: elite-tier outcomes without the pressure-cooker competition of Berkeley or the selectivity of Stanford. The moderate sample size suggests reliable data without cherry-picking concerns.
Where University of California-Santa Barbara Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science 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-Santa Barbara graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn $108k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $107,776 | $118,830 | $11,000 | 0.10 |
| California Institute of Technology | $173,344 | — | — | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $149,866 | $178,867 | $13,900 | 0.09 |
| Pomona College | $143,084 | — | — | — |
| Stanford University | $138,613 | $200,950 | $10,399 | 0.08 |
| University of Southern California | $137,284 | $143,152 | $20,178 | 0.15 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology Pasadena | $63,255 | $173,344 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $149,866 | $13,900 |
| Pomona College Claremont | $62,326 | $143,084 | — |
| Stanford University Stanford | $62,484 | $138,613 | $10,399 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $137,284 | $20,178 |
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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.