Civil Engineering at California State University-Chico

Cal State Chico's civil engineering program demonstrates something parents don't always expect from a highly accessible state school: graduates see strong income growth, jumping from $72,350 to over $93,000 within four years—a 29% increase that substantially outpaces typical career trajectories. While first-year earnings sit slightly below California's median for civil engineering programs (landing at the 40th percentile statewide), that gap narrows considerably as graduates gain experience, suggesting the program builds a solid foundation even if it doesn't command premium starting salaries.

The debt picture is notably manageable at $21,583, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 that most financial advisors would consider healthy. This matters especially given that 40% of students receive Pell grants—the program serves price-sensitive families without saddling them with excessive loans. Yes, elite programs like USC and Cal Poly SLO deliver higher starting salaries, but they often come with steeper price tags and more competitive admissions.

For families seeking an ABET-accredited engineering degree without the stress of hyper-selective admissions or crushing debt, Chico delivers genuine value. The four-year earnings trajectory suggests employers recognize the quality of training, even if the Chico name doesn't carry the cachet of Berkeley or USC. This is a program that rewards patience—graduates who stay the course in engineering careers are well-positioned financially by their mid-twenties.