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Computer Science at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $107,776/yr (46% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

ROI 21.1x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #11 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$1,338K	$1,261K	$886K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.4x	21.1x	14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.3x	6.9x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	91	89	83

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 (6.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,300

8% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,500

1.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$145,485

35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $107,776 put University of California-Santa Barbara's Computer Science program 46% above the national median of $73,713 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 21.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 34% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $107,776 far exceeding the $13,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-Santa Barbara ranks #11 among 345 Computer Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 35% earnings increase from $107,776 to $145,485 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Barbara accepts 28% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 23,205 students enrolled in Santa Barbara, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr

Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 89/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of California-Santa Barbara?

At 89/100, 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 Computer Science at University of California-Santa Barbara?

The 72% 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 Computer Science?

Among 345 Computer Science programs, University of California-Santa Barbara's #11 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 →