Anthropology at University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,420/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI
9.6x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Anthropology graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $580K | $573K | $520K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.7x | 9.6x | 8.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.2x | 3.1x | 2.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 44% | 41% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 41 | 41 | 36 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,860
Out-of-state: $182,968 (3.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,077
85% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Barbara accepts 28% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 23,205 students in Santa Barbara, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary
$95,770/yr
Compare & Explore
Anthropology at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of California-Santa Barbara
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at University of California-Santa Barbara?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of California-Santa Barbara one of the best schools for Anthropology?
Among 178 Anthropology programs, University of California-Santa Barbara's #26 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →