Business/Managerial Economics at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,029/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (105,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 of 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business/Managerial Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $856K $810K $697K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 13.9x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.5x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 58% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,519
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,932
73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $52,029 track close to the $53,330 national median for Business/Managerial Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business/Managerial Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,519 in median debt against $52,029 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of California-Santa Cruz ranks #18 among 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $52,029-to-$89,932 earnings arc over five years reflects a 73% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

With a 63% acceptance rate, University of California-Santa Cruz is moderately selective, serving 17,812 students in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business/Managerial Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business/Managerial Economics at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 67/100, University of California-Santa Cruz's Business/Managerial Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business/Managerial Economics at University of California-Santa Cruz?
The 53% 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 Cruz one of the best schools for Business/Managerial Economics?
Among 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's #18 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 →