Overview
Founded as a teachers college in 1887, California State University-Chico is a 4-year public school in northern California and the second oldest campus in the California State University system. Chico State is home to 10 colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in 66 academic majors. In addition to its academic offerings, Chico State publishes The Orion, a student-run weekly newspaper which has won the National Pacemaker Award more than 10 times. To promote sustainability, all of Chico State’s campus computer labs feature Energy-saving software endorsed by The Alliance to Save Energy’s Green Campus program.
Acceptance Rate:
95%
Average Net Price:
$16,109
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.4
Average ACT Composite
20
Average SAT Composite
1089
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $8,064 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $19,944 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $16,020 |
| Books and Supplies | $1052 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
77%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
41%
Average Aid Per Year
$9,162
41%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,405
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$5,576
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
54%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$2468
39%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,405
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$69,961,600
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$974,260
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
38%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$5,538
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$14,500
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$162
Students receiving federal loans
37%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,764
Average Other Loans Per Year
$12,405
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
21417
Students Applied
60%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
1800
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
No
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
No
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | December 15 | May 1 |
| Other | June 30 |
Application Fee
$70
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
24%
Submitting ACT
90%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 20
Average SAT Composite: 1089
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.4
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Students Enrolled By Household Income
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
14,183
Total Number of Undergrads
12,981
0
100
29%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
65%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
20:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
85
Faculty Overview
0
100
58%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
54
Countries Represented
79
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
47%
Student Organizations
152
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
No
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
2%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
2%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Wildcats
School Colors
cardinal and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Total Male Athletes
183
Total Female Athletes
176
Intramural Sports
12
Sports Club
8
Sports Team (Men)
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
California State University-Chico Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$55,400
Top 5 Cities
San Francisco
Chico
Sacramento
Los Angeles
San Diego
Top 5 Employers
California State University, Chico
Build.com
Oracle
Cisco
Apple
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Sales
Operations
Education
Engineering
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$14,500
Loan Default Rate
6%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$162
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingEvery class that I have taken at Chico State has taught me something I am able to refer to in other classes. The professors teach you above and beyond the class subject you picked including subject material and how that material can be applied to your everyday life.
Jessica from Victorville, CA
As a business student at Chico State, it is very competetive and i feel that the teachers are there not only to teach you the information required, but also give you real hands on experience with the subject matter.
Bruck from San Carlos, CA
This is a green campus and is full of open-mined people that are kind and caring. The city surrounding the school is beautiful and though it is considered a 'party city' you don't have to be a party person. Their is almost no pressure to do something your not comfortable with and much of the focus of the school is based on your academics.
First Year Student
When I first came here, I had no idea what college was going to be like, but after discovering this college when I got invited to the Chico State High School Invitational, I discovered the perfect college for me. Learning the history of the town, getting to know my professors, and networking with people who can further my understanding on multiple topics and help me peruse the career of my dreams.
Michael from Chico, CA
Chico State has a lot to offer for a wide variety of students. It's diverse atmosphere offers a comforting academic and social environment. Chico State's intersecting creek will keep you mesmerized at just how beautiful nature is.
Juan from Chico, CA
The professors at California State University, Chico, truly care about your education. This past semester, only one of my professors did not know my name, and that's understandable because it was a large lecture class. Although large lecture classes are common at Chico, there are always other options. I am in the Honors Program, and one aim of that program is to keep classrooms small.
I an Environmental Science major, and am already on a first name basis with the department chair. The staff of the school, in my experience, are friendly and approachable, and willingly answer any questions you have.
I an Environmental Science major, and am already on a first name basis with the department chair. The staff of the school, in my experience, are friendly and approachable, and willingly answer any questions you have.
Elizabeth from Sacramento, CA
Chico is a tiny college town that is surrounded by adventures that open up your mind about the world. Bidwell Park located in Chico and walking distance from the campus is where I go to do my homework. Once I am done with my homework have multiple things I can do at this park, go for a swim, slip on my running shoes for a run, attempt multiple hikes and some of the greatest bike rides that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Jeffery from Tracy, CA
I've only been here two weeks and I already feel like I've learned a lot. All my teachers have jumped right into the material but it's presented in a way that I don't feel overwhelmed. We didn't waste time going over every word of the syllabus like they do in high school and junior college. I thought 15 units would weigh me down but the teachers are so good at making things interesting that I'm actually having fun.
Stacey from Dublin, CA
I love the classes at Chico State. Each day I learn something new, and look forward to the next class. The teachers have a great way of teaching and helping you learn the subject being taught, and also help you learn about yourself and help you become a better person overall.
Jessica from Manteca, CA
Chico State is great university with lots of opportunities for students who come from low-income families. They care very much about their students and provide programs such as the food pantry and Cal-fresh for those who are dealing with food insecurity. They have many majors and it is possible to double major or get a major and a minor in four years.
Maria from San Jose, CA
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