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Colleges / CA / Chico
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California State University-Chico

Public Chico, CA · Urban · Far West · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
63%
Graduation Rate
$64,172
Earnings (10yr)
$14,480
Net Price
93%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Over 13,600 students call California State University-Chico home, making it a vibrant hub for education. With a 93% acceptance rate, this public university welcomes a diverse array of applicants each year, fostering a community that thrives on inclusivity and opportunity.

Data from Opportunity Insights reveals that graduates from CSU-Chico can expect to earn about $64,172 ten years post-graduation. This places many graduates in a strong position to improve their economic standing, especially for those who start in the bottom 20% of income. While the graduation rate stands at 63%, the university’s commitment to student success is evident in its supportive environment.

The net price of attending CSU-Chico is approximately $14,480, which is affordable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $16,552, students can graduate with manageable financial obligations. Those who thrive here are often drawn to popular programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Psychology, and Humanities, which reflect the university's focus on practical and applicable skills for the job market.

Rankings

How California Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation63%Earnings 10yr$64KNet Price$14KRetention82%Median Debt$17KPell Grant Rate43%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$13K$48-75K$24K$110K+

Cost & Financial Aid

$8,472
In-State Tuition
$21,072
Out-of-State
$14,480
Avg Net Price
$16,552
Median Debt
43%
Pell Grant Rate
32%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,902
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,099
Family Income $30K–$48K
$12,961
Family Income $48K–$75K
$23,566
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$50,493
6 Years After Entry
$58,630
8 Years
$64,172
10 Years
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
67%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$50,493 6yr $58,630 8yr $64,172 10yr

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.53
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.04
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 93%
Retention Rate 82%
Full-Time Faculty 56%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,664
Diversity Index 0.67
First-Gen Students 47%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 14%
Social Sciences 10%
Health Professions 8%
Psychology 8%
Humanities 6%
Visual & Performing Arts 6%
Engineering 5%
Communications 4%