FindU
Find Your FitFor CollegesAboutBlog
Sign inGet Started
Home/Colleges/California/California State University-Chico
California State University-Chico campus photo 1
California State University-Chico campus photo 2
California State University-Chico campus photo 3
California State University-Chico campus photo 4
California State University-Chico campus photo 5
1 / 5
California State University-Chico logo

California State University-Chico

Chico, California · Public

Ranked #16 US News
$15k/yearCost after aid
Jul 1Application deadline

FindU Grade

A-Value
N/ACampus
B+Academics
C-Admissions
A-Student Life
B+Overall

About

California State University-Chico is located in Chico, California. It is a public institution. The university enrolls approximately 13,057 students.

csuchico.edu
Hispanic-Serving

Cost and aid

True cost

Great value
$15kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$8,064
Out-of-state tuition$19,944
Room & board$16,020
Avg aid package$10,331
Students receiving aid40%
Pell grant recipients40%

Chico State offers a transformative education with great value, equipping students to pursue their dreams without excessive debt. It is recognized as a Best Value School in the West by U.S. News & World Report. The university also ranks high on the Social Mobility Index, ensuring access to higher education for historically underserved students.

What would you actually pay?FindU estimates your real net price for California State University-Chico from your family income.
Calculate my net priceFree · 2 min
See California State University-Chico's full cost breakdown by family income →

Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate94%
Average GPA3.39
Student–faculty ratio20:1
Test optionalYes
Application fee$70

Application dates

Regular DecisionJul 1

Chico State seeks students committed to excellence, with no GPA or test score requirements to apply to the Honors Program. The university is dedicated to inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring fair access to its academic programs and services. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Chico State is committed to supporting a diverse student body.

Will you get into California State University-Chico?FindU calculates your real admission odds from your stats.
Show me my oddsFree · 2 min
See your full admission chances at California State University-Chico →

Academics

Graduation rate64%
Retention rate84%
Student–faculty ratio20:1
Full-time faculty57%

Chico State provides a stimulating academic environment with engaging faculty who empower students to take charge of their learning. The university offers nearly 400 programs, encouraging students to explore their passions. Award-winning faculty work alongside students on impactful projects, such as robotics design and sustainable farming practices.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$64,172
Avg starting salary$55,205
Job placement rate95%
Earn more than HS grad76%
Economic mobility196%
Loan default (3 yr)4%
Loan repayment (3 yr)71%

Chico State graduates enjoy notable success in their careers and further education. The university's Career Center offers extensive services to support students and alumni, including career advising and job placement assistance. Several programs boast a 100% job placement rate, such as Construction Management and Business Information Systems.

Student life

Demographics

Large School
13,057Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 55%Male 45%
42% WhiteRacial diversity
White 42%Hispanic 38%Asian 6%Black 3%Other 11%
Campus housingYes

Chico State offers a vibrant campus culture with over 200 student-run organizations, teams, and cultural affinity centers. Students can easily find a community where they belong, whether through academics, social activities, cultural identity, or athletics. The university encourages students to connect and engage with one another, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Student reviews

Campus and vibes

Student

My experience at chico has been a mix of good and bad. Disappointments include some of the instructors being completely horrible people. Being hidden and protected by their job even though some of them should not be working at any college. Also, the prices of food and clothing, etc is rediculous! It's WORSE than the movies! They should be ashamed whoever is justifying those prices. A lot of us students don't have a mommy or daddy paying our way. CHANGE PRICES!

Student

The staff have all been extremely kind and welcoming. Throughout my time here I have found supportive teachers, faculty, and peers. The scenery around campus is beautiful and creates a calm environment for learning.

Student

My overall experience with Chico is great so far. They have a beautiful overall campus where you are able to walk around the scenery and able to chill out with some friends along the way. I believe that Chico State is a good university when it comes academics and safety. They have police most of the time patrolling around campus ensuring everything is safe.

About California State University-Chico

Chico State prioritizes campus safety with a full-service police agency staffed 24/7 by sworn officers and certified dispatchers. The University Police Department (UPD) enforces campus regulations and state laws, patrolling areas within a one-mile radius of the campus. The university employs various safeguards, including controlled vehicle access, security cameras, and routine maintenance of campus lighting and vegetation.

The Honors Program at Chico State enhances a student's degree by providing an innovative, interdisciplinary education culminating in a capstone project. It attracts a diverse group of students through personalized advising and an intentional community. Honors students benefit from early registration, a dedicated student lounge, and recognition on their diploma and transcript.

Chico State welcomes international students from 73 nations, offering support through visa assistance and ESL programs. The university has a dedicated international student community and provides cultural resources to help students adjust to campus life. Scholarships are available specifically for international degree-seeking students, reducing the total cost of attendance.

Endowment$88,694,074
Avg faculty salary$124,632

California State University-Chico FAQ

See if California State University-Chico is right for you

Answer a few quick questions and FindU shows your match score, your admission chances, and the scholarships you qualify for.

Show me my matchesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start
FindU Match
Free

Will you get into California State University-Chico?

California State University-Chico admits about 94% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
Match
Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
See your real result
Show me my chancesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start

More colleges in California

El Camino Community College District

Torrance, California

C+Overall$5k/yr net

University of San Diego

San Diego, California

B+Overall47% admit

Imperial Valley College

Imperial, California

BOverall$2k/yr net

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, California

AOverall12% admit

Mt San Antonio College

Walnut, California

A-Overall$3k/yr net

Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, California

BOverall69% admit
All colleges in California
Is California State University-Chico your match?Get my match
FindU

Find Your Fit

  • Take college quiz
  • Chance Me calculator
  • Scholarship search
  • College Search
  • Browse all tools

Company

  • About
  • Blog
  • Careers

For Partners

  • For Colleges
  • For Counselors
  • For Schools / Trust
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Responsible AI
  • Privacy
  • Terms

Join our newsletter