Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of California-Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz's electrical engineering program delivers something rare: strong earnings with minimal debt burden. Graduates leave with just $17,048 in loans—far below both the state median ($18,906) and national average ($24,989)—while earning $78,842 in their first year. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means students can theoretically pay off their entire debt in under three months of gross salary, one of the best ratios you'll find in engineering.

The earnings trajectory is equally compelling. First-year salaries already match the national median, and graduates see 27% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $100,000. While this ranks at the 60th percentile among California's 32 electrical engineering programs—meaning Berkeley and several others pay more—it's worth noting those top programs often carry significantly higher debt loads or cost premiums. The four-year earnings jump suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into senior technical roles rather than hitting an early ceiling.

For families weighing UC Santa Cruz against pricier California options, the math is straightforward: you get solidly above-average outcomes with exceptional debt discipline. The $19,000 gap between this program and Berkeley's first-year earnings might matter less than the low-debt foundation for building long-term wealth. This represents strong value in a competitive state market.