Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at California State University-Chico

Based on comparable engineering programs across California, Chico State appears positioned right at the state median for electrical engineering outcomes—estimated first-year earnings around $78,000 against roughly $18,000 in debt. That 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio is significantly better than the national benchmark, where similar programs typically saddle graduates with $25,000 in debt. For a school with 94% admission and serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, these estimates suggest solid accessibility without sacrificing financial outcomes.

The gap between Chico State and California's elite engineering programs is real—UC Berkeley grads start at nearly $140,000—but that comparison misses the point for most families. Similar programs statewide produce the same $78,000 median that Chico State's graduates are estimated to earn, while the lower debt load gives this program an edge over the typical California engineering school. Electrical engineering remains one of the stronger undergraduate investments regardless of institution, and starting near $80,000 with manageable debt keeps graduates financially flexible.

The caveat here is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Chico State's specific outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about this particular cohort's results. Still, the combination of reasonable estimated debt, competitive estimated earnings for the state, and a field with consistently strong job prospects suggests this program merits serious consideration—especially for families prioritizing affordability and access alongside engineering credentials.