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Computer Science at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
89 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
90
Optimistic
89
Base Case
82
Pessimistic
Earnings $81,021/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 35.5x earnings multiple (14.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,210K $1,145K $822K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 37.5x 35.5x 25.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.2x 14.3x 10.3x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 90 89 82

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 (14.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$125,103
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Chico's Computer Science graduates start at $81,021/yr — above the $73,713 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 35.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Science carry above-average AI exposure (72% of tasks). The 32% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,000 in median debt clears quickly against $81,021 in annual earnings.

California State University-Chico ranks #10 among 345 Computer Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $81,021-to-$125,103 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Chico

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

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Compare Computer Science

California State University-Chico vs University of California-Berkeley →

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) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($77,965) Engineering, Other ($74,204) Mechanical Engineering ($73,297) Civil Engineering ($72,350) Engineering-Related Fields ($69,042)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 89/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at California State University-Chico?
At 89/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at California State University-Chico?
The 72% 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 Computer Science?
Among 345 Computer Science programs, California State University-Chico's #10 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 →