Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degree) at University of California-Santa Barbara

Median Earnings (1yr)

$66,099

61st percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$11,128

52% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of California-Santa Barbara graduates compare to all 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	$66,099	$86,107	+30%
New York University	$102,572	$129,049	+26%
Arizona State University Campus Immersion	$73,618	$104,448	+42%
University of California-San Diego	$60,973	$71,520	+17%
San Francisco State University	$48,546	$68,908	+42%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (15 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	$66,099	$86,107	$11,128	0.17
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla	$15,265	$60,973	$71,520	$17,500	0.29
California Lutheran UniversityThousand Oaks	$50,670	$57,276	—	$24,728	0.43
University of California-DavisDavis	$15,247	$52,684	—	$12,144	0.23
California State University-FullertonFullerton	$7,073	$49,830	—	$12,375	0.25
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco	$7,424	$48,546	$68,908	$20,500	0.42
National Median	—	$62,069	—	$23,250	0.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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.