California State University-Chico

What are the graduation rates for students at California State University-Chico?

California State University-Chico reports an overall graduation rate of 64%, placing it in the top 40% of institutions nationwide. This rate reflects students who complete their programs within six years, with a notable distinction between the four-year and six-year timeframes. The university's four-year graduation rate stands at 33%, which is relatively low and falls within the bottom 35% of comparable schools. However, the six-year graduation rate improves considerably to 64%, situating the university in the upper third in terms of successful degree completion.

The retention rate at California State University-Chico is a strong indicator of student persistence, measured at 84%. This figure ranks in the top 30%, suggesting that a significant majority of first-year students return to continue their education the following year.

When examining graduation rates by gender, women tend to complete their degrees at a higher rate than men. Female students graduate at a rate of 68%, while male students graduate at a rate of 59%. Both figures rank within the top 40% nationally, reflecting consistent performance across genders.

The graduation data highlights a pattern commonly seen at many public universities: fewer students finish within the traditional four-year timeline, but completion rates improve with additional time. Prospective students should consider these statistics when anticipating the duration of their studies and planning their academic paths.

What is the earning potential for graduates at California State University-Chico?

Graduates of California State University-Chico experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in nursing, specifically Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing, with average earnings reaching $94,107. Students completing degrees in Construction Management also report strong income prospects, earning around $78,190.

Engineering fields generally offer lucrative opportunities. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn approximately $68,880, Civil Engineering around $67,761, and Computer Engineering close to $65,715. Additionally, graduates in Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians stand to earn about $71,244, while those in broader Engineering-Related Fields earn around $60,812.

Computer and information science-related degrees provide robust financial returns as well. Those with a Computer Science degree have an average earning of $72,808, and general Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn about $63,879. Academic paths combining accounting and related services also rank high, with Accounting graduates earning $54,749 and Agricultural Business and Management graduates bringing in roughly $45,845. Business Administration, Management, and Operations graduates typically earn around $45,056.

Public administration graduates see promising earnings too, averaging $41,518, while graduates in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology earn about $39,408. Journalism and Communication Studies provide moderate income prospects, with Journalism majors earning $37,827 and Communication and Media Studies graduates earning $33,383.

Other social science and humanities degrees generally yield lower salaries. Political Science and Government graduates earn about $35,222, while Criminal Justice and Corrections majors average $33,845. Degrees in Social Work and Sociology bring in approximately $33,049 and $31,487, respectively. Biology-related fields tend to offer more modest income, with General Biology graduates earning around $29,939 and Biochemistry close to $29,598.

Degrees in fields such as English Language and Literature, General, Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services offer earnings ranging between $23,682 and $23,951. Nutrition Sciences graduates earn an average of $37,266, and Geography and Cartography stand at $37,164. In contrast, some liberal arts areas, including Fine and Studio Arts and Anthropology, tend to provide lower earning potential, with averages near $27,924 and $22,288, respectively. Music majors are among the lowest earners, with average salaries around $18,089.