University of California-Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, CA

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

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

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $36,796/yr starting out — that's 23% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 10.2 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

$36,796

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)$367,960

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$69,535

Pays for Itself In

10.2 yrs

Salary Boost

+23%

Ahead After 10 Years

$298,425

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed13.6/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost3/20

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.