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Geosciences at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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 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 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 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 Geosciences →

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 Geosciences at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study 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 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 →