Economics at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
64
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,432/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 22.6x earnings multiple (9.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #199 of 351 Economics programs

Program Analysis

The earnings profile for CSU Chico Economics graduates reflects the regional labor market dynamics and the program's practical focus. The local economy in Chico and surrounding Northern California typically offers roles in regional businesses, local government, and education, which don't command the same starting salaries as major metropolitan financial or tech hubs. Your education here likely emphasizes broad economic principles, preparing you for diverse roles rather than a direct pipeline into highly specialized, high-paying fields often found elsewhere. Many graduates use this strong foundational knowledge as a springboard for further education, like an MBA or law degree, or to build careers in public service. To maximize your potential, proactively seek internships that build strong quantitative and data analysis skills, and be prepared to broaden your job search geographically to access higher-paying opportunities.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $757K $730K $628K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.5x 22.6x 19.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.5x 9.1x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 64 66

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 (9.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,300
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,084
95% growth from Year 1

About California State University-Chico

California State University-Chico accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,057 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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Chico

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at California State University-Chico?
At 64/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics 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 Economics at California State University-Chico?
The 56% 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 a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Chico's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →