International Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,553/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI
10.8x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International Studies graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $657K | $649K | $608K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.0x | 10.8x | 10.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.6x | 3.5x | 3.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 50% | 45% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 37 | 37 | 43 |
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 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,724
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,890
96% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Santa Barbara
Admission to University of California-Santa Barbara is competitive, with 28% of applicants accepted, 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
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other
$75,040/yr
Compare & Explore
International Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of California-Santa Barbara
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of California-Santa Barbara's International Studies program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →