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California State University, Chico
Chico, CA
California State University, Chico, commonly known as CSU Chico, is a public university located in the city of Chico, California. Established in 1887, it is the second oldest campus in the California State University system. CSU Chico offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, including agriculture, business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, and the liberal arts. With a student population of around 17,000, it provides a vibrant and close-knit community where students can engage in various extracurricular activities, academic organizations, and cultural events.
CSU Chico is known for its exceptional faculty who are not only committed to teaching but also emphasize practical experience and critical thinking. The university focuses on fostering hands-on learning opportunities, encouraging undergraduate research, and promoting engagement with the local community. Through these initiatives, students gain valuable real-world experience and develop the skills necessary for successful careers after graduation.
Additionally, CSU Chico takes pride in its beautiful campus and surroundings. Located in the foothills of Northern California's Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the university offers stunning views and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The university's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its LEED-certified buildings, renewable energy initiatives, and numerous programs aimed at reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the city of Chico provides a supportive and lively atmosphere with a vibrant downtown, outdoor recreation areas, and a welcoming community. Overall, California State University, Chico offers a well-rounded education, engaging campus life, and a picturesque environment.
California State University, Chico is a public four-year college located in Chico, CA. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 91%. The freshman retention rate at California State University, Chico is 83.5% and the six-year graduation rate is 64%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is December 15. The transfer application deadline is December 15.
Here are some recent data on important things to consider about California State University, Chico.
Quick Facts
12,866
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
91%
Acceptance Rate
21:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
64%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the institution in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. Here are the most vital data you need to know about admission at California State University, Chico.
In 2024, the school accepted 20,864 new students. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
5% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 1% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 2% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 14.3% between 1,200 and 1,399, 39.8% between 1,000 and 1,199, 34.7% of the students between 800 and 999, and 9.2% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 28.6, 28.6 between 24-29, 28.6 in the range between 18-23, and 14.3 between 12-17.
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.4. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted.
Deadlines
The application deadline for California State University, Chico is December 15. For transfer students, note that the application deadline is December 15.
91%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university newcomers who return for their sophomore year. When you make your list of possible schools to attend, make sure to consider the freshmen retention rate.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for California State University, Chico was 83.5%, a clear indication of the excellence and value of the educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 64%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the right fit for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at California State University, Chico in 2024 was 13,999.
That year, the institution had 3.2% of students coming from another state. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 12,866, 159 of which were international students. 1,800 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 5,414 male and 7,018 female full-time students in 2024. This school had 227 full-time graduate male and 505 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
In order to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at California State University, Chico.
This school had 739 Asian students and 357 Afro-American students in 2024. 4,929 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 697 as multirace. The school also had 28 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 59 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 457 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before you send an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. Here are some important facts on California State University, Chico costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for California State University, Chico is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
Tuition fees for area resident were $5,742, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $17,622. For the students coming from abroad, tuition at this school was $17,622, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students amounted to $2,230 in 2024.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $17,622 | $2,230 | $19,852 |
| In-State | $5,742 | $2,230 | $7,972 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to think about the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The estimated expense of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $1,210.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. How much do room and board fees average around at colleges and universities?
At California State University, Chico, the 2024 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $12,489. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school reached $8,608, according to the data from 2024. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $8,608.
| Tuition | $ 5,742 |
| Room and Board | $ 12,489 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,210 |
| Total Expense | $ 19,441 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all different types of financial aid for students. If you are interested in finding out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at California State University, Chico, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
According to the most recent data, 1,107 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average financial aid package awarded to students reached $12,446.
Need-based
Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
5,848 students secured some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at California State University, Chico isn't available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 7,815. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $26,696,663, and state $19,854,530. The students of California State University, Chico received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $22,545,998, and external in the amount of $864,407.
$4,087
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
216 students, including freshmen, got institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this institution in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 84 full-time freshmen. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $434,779. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $30,000 USD.
Majors
Faculty
21:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at California State University, Chico was 21:1: that means 21 students per one teacher. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 895. This number included 398 male and 497 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at California State University, Chico.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at California State University, Chico is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some information about social life at California State University, Chico.
It has a campus size of 119 acres.
Student Organizations
Engaging with a variety of student organizations can enrich your educational experience and make it more rewarding.
According to recently gathered data, there are 152 open-membership organizations at California State University, Chico. That includes sororities and fraternities. 1 percent of male and 1 of female students are active in different organizations at California State University, Chico. The student organization that attracts the greatest number of students is Omicron Theta Epsilon, followed by NSLS and SAE Baja Club. Other popular organizations at California State University, Chico are CRU and Christian Challenge.
There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. Interested in media and communication? California State University, Chico publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At California State University, Chico, there are many amenities required for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of California State University, Chico.
All in all, campus life at California State University, Chico is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at California State University, Chico.
Career Counselling
At California State University, Chico, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Acquiring information about the potential income after graduation can help you decide if a specific school is the right one for your career aspirations.
The starting salary for graduates employed within six months of graduating at this school averages 55,867 USD.
$55,867
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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California State University, Chico is located in Chico, CA.
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California State University, Chico doesn't offer need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for California State University, Chico is 91%.
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The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for California State University, Chico is 83.5%.
Contact Information
California State University, Chico,
400 West First Street
Chico, CA
95929-0722
530 898-4636
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.