Location: Santa Cruz, CA•In-State Tuition: $14,560•Out-of-State Tuition: $45,337•Admission Rate: 63%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$55,773
39th percentile
40th percentile in California
Median Debt
$20,020
26% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.36 ManageableSample: 128 graduates

Analysis

UC Santa Cruz's IT management program starts modestly but delivers strong earnings growth, reaching nearly $87,000 by year four—a 56% jump that outpaces most tech programs. While the first-year salary of $55,773 falls slightly below both the national and California medians (around $58,000), graduates who stay the course see substantial financial gains. The low debt load of just $20,000—well below California's median of $30,000 for this major—means students exit with manageable obligations even during those leaner early years.

The program sits around the 40th percentile among California IT management programs for earnings, which positions it as middle-of-the-pack rather than top-tier. However, that 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio tells a different story about value. Compare this to many private California tech programs where students graduate with $40,000+ in debt, and UC Santa Cruz's public university advantage becomes clear. The trajectory matters here: by year four, earnings have nearly caught up to top California programs while debt remains a fraction of the burden.

For families weighing this option, the key question is patience. Can your student handle two or three years of below-market tech salaries before hitting their stride? If so, the combination of UC Santa Cruz's modest debt and strong mid-career earnings creates a solid foundation. This isn't the fast track to six figures, but it's a low-risk path into the tech economy.

Where University of California-Santa Cruz Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer/information technology administration and management bachelors's programs nationally

University of California-Santa CruzOther computer/information technology administration and management programs

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

Earnings Distribution

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

University of California-Santa Cruz earns $56k — 39th percentile among computer/information technology administration and management bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of California-Santa Cruz$55,773$86,880+56%
Rochester Institute of Technology$89,032$123,462+39%
Capella University$86,085$99,807+16%
Kennesaw State University$60,691$99,167+63%
University of Phoenix-California$60,401$60,536+0%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz$14,560$55,773$86,880$20,0200.36
University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario—$60,401$60,536$46,2620.77
National Median—$58,056—$27,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer/information technology administration and management graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/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

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

$123,100/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

Project Management Specialists

Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

$100,750/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

$96,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/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 Cruz, approximately 32% 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 128 graduates with reported earnings and 128 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.