California State University-Chico
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$32,256
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,493/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
861%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, the median earnings for California State University-Chico graduates are $42,772. The annual tuition cost for in-state students is $8,064. The median debt for graduates is $16,552.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $50,493. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $64,172. The school's graduation rate is 63.9%, and the retention rate is 83.7%.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,064
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,552
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,493
Graduation Rate
64%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Peer Comparison
861%
20yr ROI
944%
20yr ROI
415%
20yr ROI
387%
20yr ROI
1061%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.