Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at California State University-Chico

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.