Economics at University of California-Santa Cruz
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UC Santa Cruz's economics program starts slow but compensates with exceptional momentum. First-year graduates earn $50,518—below both the national median ($51,722) and California median ($51,212), placing it in the 40th percentile statewide. However, earnings jump 46% by year four to nearly $74,000, significantly outpacing typical growth patterns for economics programs. This trajectory suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement that aren't immediately visible in entry-level positions.
The debt picture is favorable: $18,017 is well below both national and California medians for economics degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.36. Graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary—manageable by any standard. Even with the slower start, most students should clear their debt burden quickly as earnings accelerate.
The program can't compete with California's elite economics departments (Berkeley grads earn $80,446 their first year), but it offers something valuable for price-conscious families: solid debt levels with strong upward mobility. If your child can tolerate a modest first job out of college and focus on building experience, the four-year earnings suggest this investment pays off reasonably well. Just don't expect the immediate salary bump that comes from brand-name programs.
Where University of California-Santa Cruz Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics 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 Cruz graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all economics 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
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (55 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Santa Cruz | $50,518 | $73,904 | $18,017 | 0.36 |
| Stanford University | $98,104 | $127,416 | $12,500 | 0.13 |
| Claremont McKenna College | $89,505 | $115,832 | $12,000 | 0.13 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $80,446 | $106,624 | $13,000 | 0.16 |
| Santa Clara University | $76,606 | $102,794 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| Pomona College | $70,051 | $100,669 | — | — |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University Stanford | $62,484 | $98,104 | $12,500 |
| Claremont McKenna College Claremont | $64,150 | $89,505 | $12,000 |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $80,446 | $13,000 |
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara | $59,241 | $76,606 | $19,500 |
| Pomona College Claremont | $62,326 | $70,051 | — |
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 97 graduates with reported earnings and 112 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.