About California State University-Chico
Cal State Chico has earned a reputation as one of the more spirited campuses in the CSU system, drawing 13,057 students to its midsize city setting. The university excels in business, education, and agriculture programs while maintaining the close-knit feel of a smaller school. Notable graduates include NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and comedian Steve Martin, reflecting the school's blend of athletic tradition and creative energy. With a 95% acceptance rate, Chico welcomes nearly all qualified applicants.
Students pay an average net price of $14,838 after financial aid, making it accessible for most California families. Graduates earn a median of $64,172 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $16,552. The monthly loan payment of $175 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 98.5% hailing from California.
The campus culture balances serious academics with an active social scene that has made Chico famous throughout the state. Students compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports as the Wildcats. The 83.7% retention rate suggests most freshmen find their fit here, though the 63.6% six-year graduation rate indicates some students take longer to finish their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $14,838 after financial aid, making it accessible for most California families. Graduates earn a median of $64,172 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $16,552. The monthly loan payment of $175 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 98.5% hailing from California.
The campus culture balances serious academics with an active social scene that has made Chico famous throughout the state. Students compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports as the Wildcats. The 83.7% retention rate suggests most freshmen find their fit here, though the 63.6% six-year graduation rate indicates some students take longer to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Cal State Chico operates as a full university with strong roots in practical, career-focused education. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top colleges but still allows for meaningful professor interaction. Business, education, and agriculture programs draw the most recognition, reflecting the school's connection to Northern California's agricultural economy and public sector needs. With a 63.6% six-year graduation rate, students typically need extra time to finish, often due to working while studying or changing majors. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement over theoretical research. Most programs prepare students for immediate employment rather than graduate school, though many graduates do pursue advanced degrees.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.6%
- Retention Rate
- 83.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,172
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $95,797 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $83,091 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,241 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $70,176 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,617 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $68,499 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $66,355 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,222 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,350 |
Campus Life
Chico sits 90 miles north of Sacramento in California's Central Valley, where students enjoy 300 days of sunshine annually. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, though evenings can cool down . Only 13% of students live on campus in the university's 1,758 housing spots, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where most students rent apartments in the surrounding college town.
The campus maintains a laid-back Northern California vibe that mirrors the agricultural region around it. With 98% of students coming from in-state, you'll find a distinctly Californian student body where pickup trucks mix with hybrid cars in campus parking lots. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities like hiking in nearby Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the strong business and agriculture programs. Chico's reputation as a party school has mellowed over the years, but students still embrace the relaxed campus culture that comes with small-town living in a university community of 13,057 students.
The campus maintains a laid-back Northern California vibe that mirrors the agricultural region around it. With 98% of students coming from in-state, you'll find a distinctly Californian student body where pickup trucks mix with hybrid cars in campus parking lots. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities like hiking in nearby Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the strong business and agriculture programs. Chico's reputation as a party school has mellowed over the years, but students still embrace the relaxed campus culture that comes with small-town living in a university community of 13,057 students.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,758 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
52 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–56°F
- July Avg
- 61°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 27.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
Cal State Chico draws almost exclusively from California, with 98% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and role as an accessible option for Northern California families. The student body is 55% women, likely influenced by the school's popular education and health programs that traditionally attract more female students. With 40% of students receiving Pell Grants, Chico serves a significant population of first-generation and lower-income students seeking quality public education. The campus combines small-town charm with diverse backgrounds, creating a tight-knit community where students from different economic circumstances come together.
- Men
- 44.5%
- Women
- 55.5%
- White
- 42.1%
- Black
- 2.8%
- Hispanic
- 38.4%
- Asian
- 5.7%
- In-State Students
- 98.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.1%
Location
Chico sits in Northern California's Sacramento Valley, about 90 miles north of Sacramento and 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. The city of 95,000 residents creates a classic college town atmosphere where students make up about 14% of the population. Chico State draws 98.49% of its students from within California, with many coming from the Bay Area and Central Valley seeking a smaller campus experience. The area features tree-lined streets, nearby Bidwell Park (one of the largest municipal parks in the US), and easy access to both Sierra Nevada foothills and valley agriculture. The setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining affordable living costs compared to California's major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California State University-Chico with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chico, California 95929-0150
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,172
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,509
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $175/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,552
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Chico?
California State University-Chico accepts 95% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The university draws almost exclusively in-state students, with 98.49% of enrollment coming from California residents.
How much does California State University-Chico cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,838 annually across all income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,045 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) typically pay $23,572.
What are California State University-Chico's strongest academic programs?
Chico State is known for excellent programs in business, education, and agriculture. The university maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and operates on a semester system that allows for deep engagement in these practical, career-focused fields.
How much do California State University-Chico graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $64,172 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes showing a 95.2% employment rate. Graduates typically leave with manageable debt levels, with a median of $16,552 and monthly loan payments of $175.
Where do students live at California State University-Chico?
The campus houses 1,758 students in on-campus facilities, representing about 13% of the 13,057 total enrollment. Most students live off-campus in the midsize city of Chico, contributing to the university's reputation for a close-knit campus community.
What famous alumni graduated from California State University-Chico?
The university's most famous graduate is NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who played for the Wildcats before transferring to UC Berkeley. Other notable alumni include comedian Steve Martin and actress Regina King, reflecting the diverse career paths available to Chico State graduates.
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