New data shows the power of a UC degree
July 6, 2026 •
A UC degree continues to pay off for graduates — and new data shows just how much.
For many students, a UC degree can lead to less debt, strong pay and more room to grow. More than 60% of UC undergraduates leave with no student debt. For in-state students who do borrow, average debt has dropped by $11,400 over the past decade.
The payoff can come quickly, too. UC graduates break even on their education about six years after enrolling. Seven years after graduation, UC alumni in California earn a median salary of $86,000. By year 12, that rises to $113,000.
The data also show how UC helps students advance. Most Pell Grant graduates earn more than their families within three years of graduation, and first-gen graduates do so within four years.
At a time when costs are high and the job market continues to change, the message is simple: UC remains a smart path for California students and families.
Read the full story from the UC Press Room
Tags: affordability, UC value, undergraduate education
