Behavioral Sciences at University of California-Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz's Behavioral Sciences program presents a troubling financial picture that should concern any parent considering this investment. With graduates earning just $28,709 one year after completion, this program ranks in the bottom 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs across the country produce better-earning graduates. Even within California, where competition is fierce, this program sits at just the 40th percentile, with graduates earning $3,200 less than the state median.

The debt situation compounds these concerns. While the $17,500 median debt is lower than both national and state averages, it still creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61—meaning graduates owe more than half their first year's salary. When your child's UC Santa Cruz degree produces lower earnings than for-profit institutions like University of Phoenix or Ashford University, something is seriously amiss with the program's value delivery.

The stark reality is that this program appears to significantly underperform expectations for a UC system school. Your child would likely face years of financial struggle while classmates from other California programs—including less prestigious institutions—enjoy substantially higher starting salaries. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to pursue this specific program at this campus, exploring behavioral sciences options at other UC schools or even Cal State universities would likely yield better financial outcomes.