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Construction Engineering Technologies at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $88,648/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market Large (69,200 openings/yr)
ROI 23.1x earnings multiple (9.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 of 45 Construction Engineering Technologies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Construction Engineering Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $782K $746K $651K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.2x 23.1x 20.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.8x 9.3x 8.2x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,256
Out-of-state: $79,776 (9.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,761
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $88,648 per year, Construction Engineering Technologies graduates from California State University-Chico earn slightly above the $71,754 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 23.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Construction Engineering Technologies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,761 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #33 ranking among 45 Construction Engineering Technologies programs places California State University-Chico in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California State University-Chico

With 94% of applicants admitted, California State University-Chico prioritizes broad access, enrolling 13,057 students in Chico, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Chico →

Top Career Paths

Construction managers $106,980/yr
Cost estimators $77,070/yr
Civil engineering technologists and technicians $64,200/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 45 schools offering Construction Engineering Technologies →

Construction Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

California State University-Long Beach ($89,003) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($87,960) San Diego State University ($81,608) Washington State University ($80,404) University of Florida ($79,410) California State University-Northridge ($79,352) California State University-Fresno ($78,716) Colorado State University-Fort Collins ($78,423)

Other Majors at California State University-Chico

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($113,181) Construction Management ($89,075) Computer Science ($81,021) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($77,965) Engineering, Other ($74,204) Mechanical Engineering ($73,297) Civil Engineering ($72,350) Engineering-Related Fields ($69,042)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Construction Engineering Technologies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Construction Engineering Technologies at California State University-Chico?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Construction Engineering Technologies is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Construction Engineering Technologies at California State University-Chico?
The 51% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →