Social Work at California State University-Chico
Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,840/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
17.7x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Work graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $570K | $570K | $538K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.7x | 17.7x | 16.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.1x | 7.1x | 6.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 51 | 50 | 61 |
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 (7.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,829
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,090
50% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Chico
A 94% acceptance rate means California State University-Chico is accessible to most applicants, 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
Social and community service managers
$78,240/yr
Social work teachers, postsecondary
$76,210/yr
Social workers, all other
$69,480/yr
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-Chico
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at California State University-Chico?
At 50/100, California State University-Chico's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is California State University-Chico one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, California State University-Chico's #53 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 →