Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,952/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,300 openings/yr)
ROI 19.7x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #30 of 62 Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $645K $636K $568K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.0x 19.7x 17.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 8.0x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 40

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 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,339
129% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Chico's Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences graduates start at $25,952/yr, trailing the $31,042 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $18,750 represents roughly 9 months of the $25,952 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #30 of 62 Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences programs, California State University-Chico scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $59,339 show a 129% jump from the $25,952 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Chico

A 94% acceptance rate means California State University-Chico is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists $103,650/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences at Other Schools

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences at California State University-Chico?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $568,384 in decade earnings vs $644,717 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences from California State University-Chico?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →