University Of California-Santa Barbara Programs & Rankings

Business and economics programs demonstrate strong outcomes with significant enrollment. Applied Economics stands out with $88,311 median earnings from 703 graduates, ranking #26 nationally and #4 in California with an 87.6 value score.

This field combines substantial student demand with solid career outcomes. Students interested in business applications should consider the large cohort sizes indicating robust program infrastructure and employer recognition.

Sciences and mathematics programs show variable outcomes depending on specific field focus. Mathematical Statistics and Probability produces exceptional $81,375 earnings from 211 graduates, ranking #8 nationally.

Biology demonstrates more modest $57,735 earnings but maintains strong national ranking at #33. Students should evaluate specific program tracks as quantitative fields typically outperform general biology in post-graduation earning potential.

Social sciences programs demonstrate exceptional value performance despite moderate absolute earnings. Applied Sociology achieves the institution's highest value score of 96.7 while producing 713 graduates earning $50,703, ranking #9 nationally.

American Government and Politics graduates earn $62,470 from cohorts of 297 students. These programs excel in preparing students for public service, graduate study, and policy-oriented careers where earnings growth typically occurs over longer time horizons.

Communication programs at UC Santa Barbara deliver outstanding value relative to peer institutions. Communication and Media Studies produces $61,114 median earnings from large cohorts of 517 graduates, achieving #7 national ranking and exceptional 97.6 value score.

This performance indicates strong program quality and employer recognition. Students interested in media, journalism, and communication careers benefit from both solid outcomes and substantial program enrollment providing networking opportunities.

Humanities and arts programs prioritize intellectual development and creative expression alongside career preparation. English Language and Literature produces graduates earning $46,505 from cohorts of 200 students, ranking #32 nationally with an 89.3 value score.

Cinematography demonstrates strong outcomes with $47,214 earnings and exceptional #4 national ranking. Students should view these programs as pathways to graduate study, creative industries, and intellectually rewarding careers where passion often outweighs pure earning potential.

Environmental programs demonstrate strong outcomes reflecting growing career opportunities in sustainability fields. Environmental Science produces $57,262 median earnings from 358 graduates, ranking #7 nationally and #6 in California with a 95.6 value score.

These programs combine scientific rigor with policy applications, appealing to students interested in environmental careers, conservation, and sustainability consulting where demand continues expanding.

Interdisciplinary programs showcase UC Santa Barbara's commitment to innovative academic approaches. International/Globalization Studies graduates earn $52,229 from cohorts of 366 students, ranking #7 nationally with an 88.7 value score.

Behavioral Neuroscience achieves exceptional outcomes with $53,297 earnings and #6 national ranking from 579 graduates. These programs attract students interested in cross-disciplinary approaches to complex challenges, often preparing graduates for graduate study or specialized career paths.