University of California-Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, CA

Mechanical Engineering

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

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $68,678/yr starting out — that's 129% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 1.6 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $13,825/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $60,399 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$36,776/yr

Starting Salary

$68,678

Finish Rate

85.3%

$36,776/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $13,825/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $22,951/yr)

4 Years Total

$147,104

Typical Debt

$13,993

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,099

What You'd Really Pay

$60,399

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

You'd earn (with degree)$686,780

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$60,399

Pays for Itself In

1.6 yrs

Salary Boost

+129%

Ahead After 10 Years

$626,381

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed25/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost17.2/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.8/15

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.