Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.6%
- Retention Rate
- 83.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $64,172
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,552
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $175/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $95,797 | $16,500 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $83,091 | $19,341 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,241 | $20,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $70,176 | $18,822 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,617 | $21,125 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $68,499 | $30,000 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $66,355 | $22,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,222 | $22,353 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,350 | $18,972 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $17,500 |
| Social Work. | Master | $54,073 | $18,968 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $51,106 | $34,125 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,856 | $18,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,223 | $16,750 |
Outcomes Overview
Chico State graduates earn a median of $64,172 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 26%. Monthly loan payments of $175 represent just 3.2% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 95.2% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for the university's business, education, and agriculture alumni. Many graduates find work in California's Central Valley agricultural sector or enter teaching positions throughout Northern California. The combination of modest debt loads averaging $16,552 and solid earning potential creates a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation without the premium price tag of UC campuses.