About

About California State University-Chico

highly accessible admissionsnorthern california publicbusiness and health focusmasters level programslarge student population

California State University-Chico is a public university in Chico, CA, known for its highly accessible admissions, northern california public, and business and health focus. With an acceptance rate of 95%, Chico State is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,020 students each year. Chico State is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 990–1293, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Chico State offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $9,188 per year; the sticker price of $38,002 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

California State University-Chico acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

95%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1142
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 990 – 1293 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to California State University-Chico

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Chico State admits nearly all applicants, so your GPA and completion of the required A-G coursework are the real gatekeepers. Double-check that your transcript shows all 15 A-G units fulfilled before you submit.
Test Score Strategy
Since Chico State is test optional and scores carry minimal weight in their process, there is no reason to submit a score that falls below their middle range. Leave the test score section blank and let your GPA do the work.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What California State University-Chico actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$38k/yr$9.9k
30k-48k~$38k/yr$10.1k
48k-75k~$38k/yr$13.0k
75k-110k~$38k/yr$16.5k
110k+~$38k/yr$23.6k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

64%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$50k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
25:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
13,389
Undergrad Enrollment
California State University-Chico Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch