Romance Languagesat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $22,917/yr in their first year — about 34.0% below the national Romance Languages average. Base-case 10-year earnings $594K; scenarios range from $533K to $609K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
This program's earnings profile reflects a combination of regional labor market dynamics and the typical career paths for humanities graduates in a non-major metropolitan area. Chico's local economy, while vibrant, isn't a hub for international business or tech companies that often pay top dollar for advanced language skills. Many graduates find themselves in public sector roles, such as teaching within local school districts or community colleges, where salary scales are often standardized and lower than private industry.
While your linguistic and cultural knowledge is invaluable, the high AI risk for translation and interpretation roles suggests increasing competition from technology in the future. To stand out, actively seek experiences that combine your language proficiency with in-demand skills like digital marketing, data analysis, or project management. Focus on internships or certifications that bridge your humanities background with practical applications.
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 Romance Languages
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 Romance Languages offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Romance Languages trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Romance Languages at Chico State
How does California State University-Chico's Romance Languages program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Romance Languages. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Romance Languages to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Romance Languages careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 58% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Romance Languages earnings lower at California State University-Chico?
Lower starting pay at California State University-Chico may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.