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English at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,099/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #214 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$634K	$615K	$546K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.6x	10.3x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.4x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	31	28

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 (3.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,300

8% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,892

8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,240

142% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,099/yr fall 21% below the $30,427 national median for English. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,892 against $24,099/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #214 ranking among 493 English programs places University of California-Santa Barbara in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,099-to-$58,240 earnings arc over five years reflects a 142% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Barbara admits 28% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, 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

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr

Proofreaders and copy markers $49,210/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English 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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of California-Santa Barbara?

At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study English at University of California-Santa Barbara?

The 61% 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 English 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 →