Engineering Studiesat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $74,204/yr in their first year — about 6.0% above the national Engineering Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $831K; scenarios range from $719K to $866K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
This "Other Engineering" program at CSU-Chico offers a broad, foundational engineering education, distinct from highly specialized fields. This versatility is a key strength, preparing you for diverse roles across industries rather than a narrow niche. Chico's practical, hands-on approach, typical of the CSU system, means graduates are often well-prepared for immediate contributions, particularly in manufacturing, infrastructure, or project management across California. Employers value the adaptable problem-solving skills developed here, often recruiting for positions from the Bay Area to Sacramento. However, the high AI risk suggests that generalist engineering tasks are increasingly susceptible to automation. To future-proof your career, actively pursue internships or coursework that allows for specialization in emerging technologies or develops advanced project management and leadership skills during your studies.
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 Engineering Studies
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 Engineering Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Engineering Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Engineering Studies at Chico State
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Engineering Studies at California State University-Chico?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Engineering Studies nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Engineering Studies careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $718,995 in decade earnings vs $865,510 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.