Applied Mathematics at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $59,638/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 17.1x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Applied Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,080K $1,021K $807K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.0x 17.1x 13.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.6x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 68

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 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,300
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$109,292
83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $59,638/yr, Applied Mathematics graduates from University of California-Santa Barbara land near the $62,640 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 17.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 25% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Applied Mathematics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $17,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #4 of 44 programs, this Applied Mathematics program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $59,638-to-$109,292 earnings arc over five years reflects a 83% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Barbara

A 28% acceptance rate puts University of California-Santa Barbara in competitive admissions territory, serving a student body of 23,205 in Santa Barbara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Actuaries $125,770/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Applied Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Barbara

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Applied Mathematics at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 73/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Applied Mathematics at University of California-Santa Barbara?
The 61% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →