California State University, Chico (CSU) 2026 Admission 93%,

92.72%

Acceptance Rate

$9,216

Avg.Financial Aid

001146

FAFSA Code

College Search

★ California State University, Chico (CSU) Report Card

Selectivity

—

92.7% acceptance rate

Academics

C+

63% graduation rate

Class Size

—

24:1 student-faculty ratio

Value

B+

$21,072 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

★ Key Facts: California State University, Chico (CSU)

Institution: California State University, Chico (CSU)
Type: Public

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

California State University, Chico (CSU)

Type Control of Institution - Public/Private
Public
Acceptance Rate:
N/A
Level
4 Years
Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.
Not applicable
Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.
WASC
Website
www.csuchico.edu
Student Population Number of Students attending College
13,631
On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?
Yes

California State University Chico offers California quality public education in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. Known affectionately as Chico State, the university provides strong programs in business, engineering, agriculture, and liberal arts. The institution's location in Chico, a vibrant college town in northern California, creates an engaging campus culture and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Chico State's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship reflects California values and provides distinctive educational opportunities. The university emphasizes undergraduate research and internship experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. The surrounding region's agricultural heritage and natural beauty create learning laboratories for environmental and agricultural studies.

With approximately 17,000 students, Chico State maintains a strong sense of community and school spirit while offering wide-ranging academic programs. The university's reputation for accessibility and quality education makes it one of California's most popular CSU campuses.

Location & Contact

Address

First and Normal Sts, Chico, California

Contact

Phone: (530) 898-6116

Find Your School

Rankings

To tackle the tough decision of choosing the right university, the ranking of a particular university helps the student in clearing their doubts regarding where they want to apply. Considered one of the best publications when it comes to ranking universities, Forbes has placed California State University-Chico at the 335th position on the latest list of top colleges. However, it is to be noted that the rankings are decided based on common metrics like acceptance rate, endowment, benefits, and SAT scores, among others.

Admissions

Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
FALSE
Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.
92.72%
SAT Range
1000 - 1190
SAT/ACT
Required
ACT Range
18 - 24
High School GPA
Required
Application Fee
$55
Accept Common App
None

The admission to California State University-Chico is easy and the students can make the most out of it. The varsity has 4 admission thresholds. The admission process starts by filling up the form and submitting a fee of $70. If the SAT score of a student lies in the range of 990-1190, it would improve her chances. The average ACT score at California State University-Chico is 21. However, those getting an ACT score less than 18 might also be offered admission. The candidates can apply for the courses online. However, in case they need information or want to feel the vibes, they visit the school's office at First and Normal Sts, Chico, California 95929-0150. They can also call them at (530) 898-6116.

Full Admission Info Find College Scholarships Request Info

Annual Cost to Attend

Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.
$14,480
Average Annual Cost
$8,472

Additional Costs:

Books And Supplies
$24,624
Other Fees
$1,866
Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.
$12,550
Budget For Other Expenses
$2,548

Total One Year Cost

$24,624

Tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure are the next two things that a student should keep in mind before applying to CSUC. The total one-year cost on a full-time basis would be somewhere around $31,831. Students can also explore numerous financial aid options offered by the university.

Explore Programs Explore Student Loans Explore Tuition and Cost

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Master's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

24:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

82%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

46%

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

$81

Faculty Overview

52%

Male Professors

48%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

16,483

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

45%

Full-time / Part-time

93% / 7%

Students Gender

Male

47%

US National: 44%

Female

53%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

43%

Unknown

Black

Hispanic

34%

Two or more races

Non Resident alien

Asian

American Indian/Alaska native

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

Geographic Density

High

Unknown Location

Out Of State

98%

In State

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$61,867 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and N/A of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

Freshmen Live on Campus

N/A

Undergrads in College Housing

N/A

Averege Housing Cost

$7,810/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $3,520/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$3,520/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Wildcat

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

Sports Club

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

Campus Security

On-campus housing facilities are offered to the students who wish to remain nearby. At CSUC, $13,422 is the normal expense for on-campus housing, which a student will be needed to pay, each year. The students at California State University-Chico have several dining and meal plan options to choose from. Moreover, the average meal plan costs around $3,520 per year. The university considers the safety and security of its students to be paramount. At CSUC, campus safety and security features include 24-hr security patrol, campus emergency phones, 24-hr escort safety rides and mobile campus emergency alert. The number of female and male students at the university are 47% and 53%, respectively.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$38,200/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$48,100/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$12,659 - $27,379

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$131 - $284

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

66%

Average Aid Per Year

$9,216

Students Receiving Federal Grants

44%

Average Aid Per Year

$5,165

Students Receiving State Aid

61%

Average Aid Per Year

$2,529

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

40%

Average Aid Per Year

$5,686

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$13,541

$30K - $48K

$12,228

$48K - $75K

$8,088

$75K - $110K

$4,123

> $110K

$713

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$90,340,454

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$1,089,469

As mentioned, if one finds the fees and cost of living at CSUC to be on the higher side, the financial aid department of the varsity would be of huge assistance. They can assist students with scholarships, grants, and student loans as well. The average federal grant that comes from the university is around $5,133, whereas the financial aid is $5,601. The students at the university are provided with state aid and institutional aid. The state aid stands at $2,652, while the institutional aid is $5,601. The total need-based scholarships/grants offered at CSUC based on students' financial needs add up to $90,340,454 per year. Meanwhile, the total non-need-based scholarships/grants in a year come to around $1,089,469.

Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About California State University, Chico (CSU)

How hard is it to get into California State University, Chico (CSU)?

California State University, Chico (CSU) is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 92.7%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does California State University, Chico (CSU) cost?

Tuition at California State University, Chico (CSU) is approximately $21,072 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend California State University, Chico (CSU)?

California State University, Chico (CSU) enrolls approximately 13,631 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at California State University, Chico (CSU)?

The graduation rate at California State University, Chico (CSU) is 63%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University, Chico (CSU)?

The student-faculty ratio at California State University, Chico (CSU) is 24:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for California State University, Chico (CSU)?

California State University, Chico (CSU) typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 440 - 550 (Reading) and 450 - 560 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 19 - 24. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is California State University, Chico (CSU) a public or private university?

California State University, Chico (CSU) is a public institution.

When is the application deadline for California State University, Chico (CSU)?

Application deadlines at California State University, Chico (CSU) vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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California State University, Chico (CSU) — 2026 Profile - Chico, California

★ California State University, Chico (CSU) Report Card

★ Key Facts: California State University, Chico (CSU)

California State University, Chico (CSU)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Frequently Asked Questions About California State University, Chico (CSU)

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★ California State University, Chico (CSU) Report Card

★ Key Facts: California State University, Chico (CSU)

California State University, Chico (CSU)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

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