Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at California State University-Chico
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The $22,917 first-year salary for Chico State's Romance Languages program ranks in the bottom 5% nationally—a worrisome start that suggests graduates struggle more than peers elsewhere. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few data points. Among California programs, this sits at the 25th percentile, trailing not just UC Berkeley and privates but also programs at Cal Poly Humboldt that produce nearly $14,000 more in first-year earnings.
The encouraging news is remarkable earnings growth: salaries more than double to $46,076 by year four, and the $17,200 debt load is manageable at three-quarters of first-year income. Still, even with that growth trajectory, four years out graduates earn less than what many Romance Languages majors make immediately after graduation elsewhere. For families choosing among California's 63 programs, spending similar amounts on tuition to earn substantially less demands scrutiny.
Given the tiny sample and bottom-quintile outcomes, treat this program as high-risk unless your student has compelling personal reasons to attend Chico State specifically. If they're set on studying Romance Languages in California's public system, data suggests looking at campuses with stronger graduate outcomes rather than assuming all CSU programs deliver equivalent value.
Where California State University-Chico Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics 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 $23k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (63 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Chico | $22,917 | $46,076 | $17,200 | 0.75 |
| University of the Pacific | $43,472 | $55,111 | $23,750 | 0.55 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $40,818 | $50,767 | $11,593 | 0.28 |
| University of California-Irvine | $36,692 | $44,184 | $9,500 | 0.26 |
| Chapman University | $36,546 | — | $20,500 | 0.56 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt | $36,444 | $36,201 | $19,083 | 0.52 |
| National Median | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Other Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific Stockton | $55,340 | $43,472 | $23,750 |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $40,818 | $11,593 |
| University of California-Irvine Irvine | $14,237 | $36,692 | $9,500 |
| Chapman University Orange | $62,784 | $36,546 | $20,500 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata | $7,913 | $36,444 | $19,083 |
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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.