Students at California State University-Chico earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting strong earnings beyond expectations that place the university among the top performers nationally.
Graduates achieve meaningful financial outcomes that consistently exceed typical results, particularly benefiting low-income and first-generation students seeking proven upward mobility.
Azimuth ranks California State University-Chico among the top public four-year institutions nationwide for overall value, reflecting its strong combination of accessibility, affordability, and long-term outcomes. What makes CSU Chico distinctive is how effectively it serves a diverse student body while delivering earnings that consistently exceed expectations. With 40% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly half being first-generation college students, the university provides broad access without compromising on results.
Graduates earn a median of $64,172 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the top 20% nationally for long-term earnings. More importantly, CSU Chico delivers earnings beyond expectations of roughly $9,052 compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to students' career trajectories. This performance spans across multiple fields, from business administration to nursing, where graduates consistently outperform national benchmarks.
As a large public university in Northern California, CSU Chico combines the resources and program breadth of a comprehensive institution with the personalized attention and community feel that helps students succeed. The university's designation as a "Mobility Engine" reflects its exceptional ability to transform access into genuine economic advancement, making it a standout choice for families seeking both affordability and strong long-term returns on their educational investment.
California State University-Chico's program portfolio demonstrates both breadth and focused strength in career-oriented fields. Business Administration leads with 648 graduates earning a median of $49,223, combining high enrollment with solid financial returns that make it the university's highest aggregate return program. This reflects CSU Chico's strength in preparing students for California's diverse business environment, from agriculture and manufacturing to technology and services.
Nursing represents the university's highest-earning field, with Adult Health Nursing graduates achieving median earnings of $95,797 that reflect the strong demand for healthcare professionals throughout California. Psychology, while showing more modest earnings at $28,294, enrolls 342 students and often serves as preparation for graduate study or diverse career paths in counseling, social services, and related fields.
The range from English Literature at $18,771 to Nursing at $95,797 illustrates how program choice significantly impacts earnings outcomes, though even the lower-earning fields provide valuable preparation for careers that may require additional education or offer non-monetary benefits. CSU Chico's strength lies in offering both high-return professional programs and foundational liberal arts fields that serve different student goals and career trajectories.
California State University-Chico delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates across multiple fields. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $64,172, placing the university in the top 20% nationally for earnings performance. More significantly, CSU Chico graduates earn approximately $9,052 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the stronger "earnings beyond expectations" advantages among public universities. This earnings premium demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for careers that outperform typical outcomes.
The university's program portfolio drives much of this success. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program with 648 graduates and the highest aggregate return generator, with graduates earning a median of $49,223 ten years out. Nursing represents the highest-earning field, with Adult Health Nursing graduates achieving median earnings of $95,797, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in California. Psychology, while the second-largest program with 342 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $28,294, typical for foundational liberal arts fields that often lead to graduate study or diverse career paths.
The breadth of strong-performing programs, from business to healthcare, helps explain why CSU Chico consistently delivers earnings that exceed expectations. Nearly 3,000 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple industries throughout California's diverse economy.
California State University-Chico offers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay an average net price of $10,045 annually, well below national averages and reflecting California's robust financial aid system. Middle-income families see costs around $13,937 per year, while higher-income families pay approximately $23,572 annually. These price points place CSU Chico in the top 25% nationally for affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income students.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial sustainability for graduates. Typical federal student loan debt averages $16,552, a manageable level given the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,126, reflecting moderate family contributions that complement rather than overwhelm student borrowing. With a 0% federal loan default rate, CSU Chico demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational debt obligations.
What makes CSU Chico particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. The combination of below-average net prices and above-average earnings creates a favorable return on investment that helps graduates build financial stability relatively quickly after graduation. This balance between upfront affordability and long-term earning power makes the university an especially strong choice for cost-conscious families who still want meaningful career outcomes.
California State University-Chico Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
