Computer Scienceat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $81,021/yr in their first year — about 10.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,145K; scenarios range from $822K to $1,210K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
While the raw earnings numbers are impressive, they don't capture Chico State's unique position in California's tech ecosystem. You're not paying a premium for a big-name private school, yet you're tapping into the same robust job market. The CSU system is known for its practical, hands-on approach, meaning you'll graduate with the applied skills hiring managers in Sacramento and the Bay Area are looking for. Companies from established tech giants to state government agencies actively recruit from Chico because they know its graduates can build and maintain systems from day one. This creates a powerful pipeline to high-paying roles without the intense competition of a top-tier UC. Your key to success here is building a strong project portfolio; it will prove your real-world capabilities and make you stand out to recruiters who already value a Chico State degree.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Chico State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Science
How Chico State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Chico State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Chico State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Science at Chico State
What does a 89/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at California State University-Chico?
At 89/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at California State University-Chico?
The 72% 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 California State University-Chico one of the best schools for Computer Science?
Among 345 Computer Science programs, California State University-Chico's #10 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.