Mathematics at California State University-Chico

Chico State's mathematics program comes with a significant asterisk: the data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, which limits how confidently we can assess its value. That said, the numbers tell a story of decent in-state affordability paired with below-average starting salaries.

At $38,212 in year one, graduates earn about $10,000 less than the national median for math majors but land squarely at California's median—meaning half of math programs in the state do no better. The $15,000 debt load keeps the burden manageable, translating to a 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than 90% of math programs nationally. By year four, earnings climb 40% to $53,411, approaching what top UC and Cal Poly grads earn right out of school. Still, the gap with elite programs like Cal Poly SLO ($53,136 starting) highlights the challenge: Chico State's math grads take several years to reach where selective programs begin.

For families prioritizing low debt and serving a student body where 40% receive Pell grants, this program delivers accessibility without crushing loans. But if your child can gain admission elsewhere and career earnings matter most, stronger California options exist. The small sample size means a few outliers could be skewing these figures in either direction—worth remembering before making final decisions.