California State University-Chico
About California State University-Chico
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
CSU Chico is a public university in Chico, California. It offers a traditional college-town experience with strong programs in agriculture, business, engineering, and sustainability. The campus is near Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.
Founded
1887
Location
Chico, California
Students
15,096
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
92.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
62.8%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$8,472
Out-of-state: $21,072
Avg Net Price
$14,480
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$64,172
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Jun 30
California State University-Chico accepts the majority of applicants at 92.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
62.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
81.6%
4-Year Grad
33%
6-Year Grad
65%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
55.7%
$/Student
$8.9K
Class Size
Large
The 33% graduation rate is below average, but 81.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,472
In-State
$21,072
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,500
Books & Supplies
$1,096
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,283
After Financial Aid
$14,480
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,902
Receive Grants
42.5%
Take Loans
32.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,283/yr for in-state students, including $16,500 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,480. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,072.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State University-Chico fund their education.
While in School
42.5%
Get Grants
Free money
32.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$30,780
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$16,552
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$175/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 32.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $16,552. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State University-Chico.
Gender
56.4%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
13,631
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,465
Graduates
47.3%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
16.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 47.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
13,631
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State University-Chico fields 8 varsity teams with 339 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
California
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
339
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
184
Men
155
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State University-Chicoearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$64,172
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$46K
503 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
313 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$27K
184 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$28K
180 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$37K
158 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$36K
152 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $50K at six years, $48K at eight, and $64K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-Chico
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Chico?▾
How much does California State University-Chico cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Chico?▾
How much do California State University-Chico graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.