Political Science at University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,404/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.1x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $686K | $664K | $592K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.5x | 11.1x | 9.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.8x | 3.6x | 3.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 58 | 57 | 54 |
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 (3.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,033
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,638
87% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Santa Barbara
A 28% acceptance rate puts University of California-Santa Barbara in competitive admissions territory, 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
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary
$119,980/yr
Compare & Explore
Political Science 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
What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 57/100, University of California-Santa Barbara's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at University of California-Santa Barbara?
The 50% 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 Political Science?
Among 521 Political Science programs, University of California-Santa Barbara's #61 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 →