Fine Arts at California State University-Chico
Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings
$22,628/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
15.9x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine Arts graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $515K | $513K | $479K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.0x | 15.9x | 14.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.5x | 6.4x | 6.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 34 | 34 | 32 |
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 (6.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,990
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,754
98% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Chico
California State University-Chico has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 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
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Fine Arts 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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at California State University-Chico?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is California State University-Chico one of the best schools for Fine Arts?
Among 385 Fine Arts programs, California State University-Chico's #88 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →