Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at California State University-Chico

California State University-Chico nursing graduates earn $113,181 in their first year—easily clearing six figures and landing in the national top 5% for nursing programs. What makes this particularly noteworthy is the modest $20,125 in debt, resulting in an exceptional debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18. Your child could realistically pay off their student loans in under three months of work. Among California's 65 nursing programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most in-state options while keeping debt well below the state median of $25,000.

The main question mark is the earnings trajectory: pay dips to $108,170 by year four. This likely reflects California's nursing career patterns, where RNs often start in high-paying acute care settings but may shift to different specialties or reduce hours for lifestyle reasons. With starting salaries this strong, that flexibility is a luxury, not a liability. The university's 94% admission rate and significant Pell grant population suggest an accessible path to a high-earning profession.

For families concerned about nursing program costs in California, Chico offers compelling math: substantially higher earnings than the national median ($74,888) with lower debt than most California programs. You're looking at one of the more financially sensible nursing degrees in the state.