At $14,838/yr net price, California State University-Chico graduates earn $64,172/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,172/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,838 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,172/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,172/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,552 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,045/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,612/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,937/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,380/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,572/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
63.6% of students at California State University-Chico graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
California State University-Chico delivers solid financial returns at a reasonable price, with a net cost of $14,838 annually producing median earnings of $64,172 ten years after graduation. Your debt load stays manageable at $16,552, making this one of the better financial bets in the CSU system.
Nursing graduates earn $95,797 annually with minimal debt increase, making it the clear financial winner on campus. Construction Management and Computer Engineering also pay off handsomely, with graduates earning over $78,000. Computer Science rounds out the high-earning programs at $74,241, though you'll carry $20,000 in debt.
The 63% graduation rate creates your biggest financial risk at Chico State. More than one in three students leave without a degree, forfeiting their investment entirely. The 84% retention rate suggests most freshman-year struggles get resolved, but you still face meaningful dropout risk through graduation.
You're a good financial fit for Chico State if you can commit to completing your degree and choose a program aligned with Northern California's job market. The school works especially well if you qualify for the 40% of students receiving financial aid, which can drive your net cost even lower.
Avoid Chico State if you're uncertain about your major or struggle with academic persistence. The modest graduation rate means financial disaster awaits students who don't finish. Liberal arts majors should also consider whether the regional job market can support their career goals, as the campus sits in a smaller metropolitan area with limited high-paying opportunities outside technical fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Chico worth the cost?
CSU-Chico offers solid value with a low net price of $14,838 and manageable median debt of $16,552. The 10-year median earnings of $64,172 provide decent returns, though the 63.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at California State University-Chico?
Nursing programs lead with $95,797 median earnings, followed by Construction Management at $83,091 and Computer Engineering at $78,343. These programs justify the investment better than most other majors at the school.
How much student debt do California State University-Chico graduates have?
The median debt is $16,552, which is relatively low compared to national averages. With typical starting salaries, most graduates in higher-paying fields can manage this debt load without major financial stress.
Does California State University-Chico have good job placement rates?
The school's 63.6% graduation rate suggests completion challenges, which affects overall job outcomes. However, students who do graduate in engineering, nursing, or construction management typically find employment in their fields.