Construction Engineering Technologies at California State University-Chico
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cal State Chico's construction engineering program punches well above its weight class. With first-year earnings of $88,648 against just $21,104 in debt, graduates land in the 95th percentile nationally—outearning 95% of construction engineering programs across the country. That 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means students pay back roughly three months of salary, making this one of the strongest returns available in the field.
The California context reveals the state's construction engineering programs are exceptionally strong overall, with a median of $84,784 that already exceeds the national benchmark by $12,000. Even within this competitive landscape, Chico holds its own at the 60th percentile, trailing only Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona among the state's programs. For a school with a 94% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, these outcomes are remarkable.
The combination of near-open admissions, modest debt loads, and elite-level earnings makes this program an exceptional value. Parents paying in-state tuition get access to outcomes that rival far more selective universities, with graduates entering a robust construction market where demand consistently outpaces supply. This is exactly the kind of program where accessibility meets strong career preparation.
Where California State University-Chico Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Chico graduates compare to all programs nationally
California State University-Chico graduates earn $89k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all construction engineering technologies bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Construction Engineering Technologies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Chico | $88,648 | — | $21,104 | 0.24 |
| California State University-Long Beach | $89,003 | $100,265 | $17,866 | 0.20 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $87,960 | $97,515 | $16,067 | 0.18 |
| San Diego State University | $81,608 | — | — | — |
| California State University-Northridge | $79,352 | $95,243 | — | — |
| California State University-Fresno | $78,716 | $85,726 | $12,985 | 0.16 |
| National Median | $72,240 | — | $24,744 | 0.34 |
Other Construction Engineering Technologies Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Long Beach Long Beach | $7,008 | $89,003 | $17,866 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona | $7,439 | $87,960 | $16,067 |
| San Diego State University San Diego | $8,290 | $81,608 | — |
| California State University-Northridge Northridge | $7,095 | $79,352 | — |
| California State University-Fresno Fresno | $6,980 | $78,716 | $12,985 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California State University-Chico, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 65 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.