Nursingat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $113,181/yr in their first year — about 50.0% above the national Nursing average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,117K; scenarios range from $937K to $1,122K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
This program's exceptional standing is largely driven by California's unique healthcare landscape. The state consistently faces high demand for skilled nurses, particularly in growing regions like Northern California, which translates directly into competitive salaries and strong job security for graduates. Chico State's well-regarded public university status and established regional clinical partnerships mean you'll likely gain invaluable experience at local hospitals and larger healthcare systems throughout the Sacramento Valley and beyond. While the data notes AI risk, for direct patient care, this often means technology *aiding* rather than replacing the critical human element of nursing. The advanced practice roles listed, like Nurse Practitioner or Anesthetist, represent significant career progression and specialized training building on this solid foundation. To truly maximize your trajectory, proactively pursue diverse clinical placements and networking opportunities to position yourself for these high-demand, high-earning specialties.
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 Nursing
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 Nursing offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Nursing trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Nursing at Chico State
How does California State University-Chico's Nursing program score?
A score of 91/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. California State University-Chico's Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Nursing to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Nursing careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 39% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does California State University-Chico rank so high for Nursing?
The #3 ranking out of 990 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.