Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at University of California-Santa Barbara
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UC Santa Barbara's Management Sciences program punches well above its weight in California's competitive landscape. With first-year earnings of $66,099, graduates earn 20% more than the typical California program graduate and outpace even UC San Diego's offering. Among California's 15 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—solid performance, but the real story is the remarkable debt advantage.
The standout feature here is the financial risk profile: graduates carry just $11,128 in debt, roughly a quarter of the national median and significantly below even California's state median. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17, meaning most graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just two months of salary. This combination of strong initial earnings and minimal debt creates genuine financial flexibility right out of the gate. The 30% earnings growth to $86,107 by year four suggests the program opens doors to career paths with real advancement potential, not just decent starter jobs.
For parents weighing UC Santa Barbara against other UC options, this program delivers comparable outcomes to more expensive private alternatives while maintaining the public school cost advantage. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are reliable enough to inform decisions. If your child is analytically inclined and interested in business optimization or data-driven management, this represents a genuinely low-risk investment with strong upside potential.
Where University of California-Santa Barbara Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods 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 $66k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all management sciences and quantitative methods 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
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $66,099 | $86,107 | $11,128 | 0.17 |
| University of California-San Diego | $60,973 | $71,520 | $17,500 | 0.29 |
| California Lutheran University | $57,276 | — | $24,728 | 0.43 |
| University of California-Davis | $52,684 | — | $12,144 | 0.23 |
| California State University-Fullerton | $49,830 | — | $12,375 | 0.25 |
| San Francisco State University | $48,546 | $68,908 | $20,500 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $62,069 | — | $23,250 | 0.37 |
Other Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-San Diego La Jolla | $15,265 | $60,973 | $17,500 |
| California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks | $50,670 | $57,276 | $24,728 |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $52,684 | $12,144 |
| California State University-Fullerton Fullerton | $7,073 | $49,830 | $12,375 |
| San Francisco State University San Francisco | $7,424 | $48,546 | $20,500 |
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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.