Mechanical Engineeringat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $73,297/yr in their first year — about 4.0% above the national Mechanical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $925K; scenarios range from $777K to $978K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
The consistent outcomes for Chico's Mechanical Engineering program reflect its strong regional ties and practical curriculum. You'll find the program emphasizes hands-on learning, often through capstone projects and lab work, which prepares graduates to step directly into roles in Northern California's diverse industrial landscape, from advanced manufacturing to agricultural technology and even some aerospace components firms. Employers often value the program's reputation for producing work-ready engineers with robust problem-solving skills.
However, the increasing integration of AI in design and analysis means your long-term success hinges on adaptability. While foundational tasks may become automated, your ability to manage complex systems, innovate, and lead interdisciplinary teams will be irreplaceable. Seek out internships and projects that focus on novel applications and human-centered design to ensure you're not just a technician, but a visionary engineer.
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 Mechanical Engineering
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.
Frequently asked about Mechanical Engineering at Chico State
What does a 76/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at California State University-Chico?
At 76/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at California State University-Chico?
The 53% 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 one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?
Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, California State University-Chico's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.