Chico State Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 92.72%. Not very selective
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $8,472
- Out-of-State Tuition: $21,072
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at Chico State:
- Total Enrollment: 15,257, including 2,599 online students
- 13,792 Undergraduate, 1,465 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 42.8% men, 57.2% women.
- This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 63%. Moderate graduation rate, typical for many institutions.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 4%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 82%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 118 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 2 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 36 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's.
Chico State Overview
California State University-Chico (Chico State) is a four-year, public school located in Chico, CA. California State University-Chico was newly reclassified as an Research College/University (Master's College and University (larger programs)) in 2025 due to changes in its research activities and doctoral program offerings.
The Chico State's tuition & fees is $8,472 for California residents and $21,072 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 63% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $11,291.
The school has a total enrollment of 15,257 and the students to faculty ratio is 23 to 1 (4.35%).
Chico State's acceptance rate is 92.72% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 10.16%.
Chico State ranked 60th in California Colleges rankings. California State University-Chico is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of California State University-Chico is $8,472 for in-state students and $21,072 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $9,996 for in-state students and $20,076 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $8,901 for California residents and $22,264 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $10,520 for California residents and $21,211 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $8,472 | $21,072 |
|---|
| Graduate | $9,996 | $20,076 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $8,901 | $22,264 |
|---|
| Graduate | $10,520 | $21,211 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
California State University-Chico offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Special Learning Opportunities at Chico State
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | No |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
California State University-Chico Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing Chico State