Economicsat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $37,432/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $730K; scenarios range from $628K to $757K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
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.
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 Economics
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 Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at Chico State
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.