Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at University of California-Santa Cruz

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.