Political Scienceat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $41,893/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $578K; scenarios range from $527K to $589K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
At $41,893 per year, Political Science 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 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 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.
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 Political Science
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 Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at Chico State
What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at California State University-Chico?
At 62/100, California State University-Chico's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science 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?
Among 521 Political Science programs, California State University-Chico's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.