Management Information Systems and Services at California State University-Chico

California State University-Chico's MIS program appears positioned for solid middle-class outcomes, though the figures require some interpretation. Based on comparable programs across California, graduates can expect around $61,000 in first-year earnings—right at the state median for this field. That estimated $16,335 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, meaning roughly three months of gross income to cover the full debt load. That's a manageable starting point, particularly for the 40% of students here receiving Pell grants who need career-focused degrees to deliver on their investment.

The four-year earnings figure of nearly $62,000 suggests minimal early growth, which is worth noting since many tech-adjacent fields show steeper trajectories. The top California MIS programs—Santa Clara and UC Irvine—produce graduates earning $25,000 to $30,000 more annually, though those schools come with higher sticker prices and more competitive admissions. Chico State's accessible 94% admission rate means students who might not qualify for elite programs can still enter a field with decent baseline earnings.

For parents evaluating this program: the estimated numbers suggest a practical path to employment rather than exceptional outcomes. The debt burden looks light, the starting salary covers living expenses in most California markets outside the Bay Area, and MIS remains a field with actual job openings. Just recognize that these projections come from peer programs, not Chico's own graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this specific campus matches that pattern.