University of California-Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, CA

Communication and Media Studies

at University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, CA

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $41,054/yr starting out — that's 37% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 6.3 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $16,109/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $69,535 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$41,573/yr

Starting Salary

$41,054

Finish Rate

83%

$41,573/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $16,109/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $25,464/yr)

4 Years Total

$166,292

Typical Debt

$13,993

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,099

What You'd Really Pay

$69,535

That's about $159/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$410,540

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$69,535

Pays for Itself In

6.3 yrs

Salary Boost

+37%

Ahead After 10 Years

$341,005

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed19/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost4.9/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.5/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.