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
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Santa Cruz 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 Cruz | $50,518 | $73,904 | +46% |
| Stanford University | $98,104 | $127,416 | +30% |
| Claremont McKenna College | $89,505 | $115,832 | +29% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $80,446 | $106,624 | +33% |
| Santa Clara University | $76,606 | $102,794 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz | $14,560 | $50,518 | $73,904 | $18,017 | 0.36 |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $98,104 | $127,416 | $12,500 | 0.13 |
 Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont | $64,150 | $89,505 | $115,832 | $12,000 | 0.13 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $80,446 | $106,624 | $13,000 | 0.16 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $76,606 | $102,794 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
 Pomona CollegeClaremont | $62,326 | $70,051 | $100,669 | — | — |
| National Median | — | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
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.