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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,759/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $804K $769K $681K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.4x 12.8x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.2x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 45

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 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,300
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,298
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,720
133% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Santa Barbara's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates start at $30,759/yr, trailing the $39,933 national average by 23%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 12.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,298 against $30,759/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #80 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places University of California-Santa Barbara in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,759-to-$71,720 earnings arc over five years reflects a 133% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Barbara

Admission to University of California-Santa Barbara is competitive, with 28% of applicants accepted, 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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary $101,390/yr
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers $99,240/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 103 schools offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences →

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

University of Houston-Downtown ($50,894) Kean University ($50,645) Iowa State University ($50,150) College of Charleston ($49,786) Texas Tech University ($49,727) University of Utah ($49,446) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($49,406) University of South Florida ($48,565)

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Barbara

Computer Science ($107,776) Computer Engineering ($91,387) Mechanical Engineering ($81,108) Chemical Engineering ($79,737) Economics ($66,334) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($66,099) Applied Mathematics ($59,638) Statistics ($55,110)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences 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 a good choice for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Santa Barbara's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →