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Political Science and Government at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,893/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science and Government graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $589K $578K $527K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.3x 17.9x 16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.2x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 57

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 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,565
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,893 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from California State University-Chico earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

California State University-Chico ranks #14 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 49% earnings increase from $41,893 to $62,565 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-Chico

With 94% of applicants admitted, California State University-Chico prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,057 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

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Compare Political Science and Government

California State University-Chico vs Dartmouth College → California State University-Chico vs University of Pennsylvania → California State University-Chico vs University of Maryland Global Campus → California State University-Chico vs Harvard University →

Other Majors at California State University-Chico

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($113,181) Construction Management ($89,075) Construction Engineering Technologies ($88,648) Computer Science ($81,021) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($77,965) Engineering, Other ($74,204) Mechanical Engineering ($73,297) Civil Engineering ($72,350)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at California State University-Chico?
At 62/100, California State University-Chico's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at California State University-Chico?
The 50% 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 Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, California State University-Chico's #14 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 →