California State University, Chico : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About California State University
A creek runs through the heart of campus, weaving past brick halls and tall shade trees that make Chico feel like a leafy retreat. The university is known for practical, hands-on learning across the arts, sciences, business, agriculture, education, and tech fields. Students tap into modern labs, studios, maker spaces, and a well used library, backed by tutoring, advising, health and counseling, and a responsive career center.
Student life leans social and outdoorsy. Clubs, service groups, cultural orgs, and student media keep the calendar full, while the recreation center and nearby trails invite hiking, biking, and easy park days. The vibe is friendly, down to earth, and very learn by doing. Downtown's cafés and music spots sit a short walk away, offering jobs and internships too. Graduates build real connections through regional industry partnerships and campuswide service traditions, plus those creekside study sessions everyone secretly loves.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
California State University, Chico offers 72 degree programs across 25 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,781 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (1 programs, 576 graduates), Social Sciences (7 programs, 372 graduates), Health (5 programs, 292 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 290 graduates) and Kinesiology (3 programs, 236 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (1 programs, 576 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 576 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
Social Sciences (7 programs, 372 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 168 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Social Sciences | 62 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.0101 |
| Political Science and Government | 60 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.0201 |
| Economics | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| International Relations | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0901 |
| Geography | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0701 |
Health (5 programs, 292 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health | 113 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2201 |
| Registered Nursing | 97 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Communication Sciences and Disorders | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0201 |
| Speech-Language Pathology | 24 |
|
Master's
|
51.0203 |
| Health Services Administration | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2211 |
Psychology (1 programs, 290 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 290 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
Kinesiology (3 programs, 236 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 92 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 79 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0501 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies | 65 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0101 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 204 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 198 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0103 |
Public Services (2 programs, 199 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 174 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
| Public Administration | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0401 |
Arts (7 programs, 198 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 68 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0411 |
| Art Studies | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0701 |
| Design and Visual Communications | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0401 |
| Music | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Studio Arts, General | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Musical Theatre | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0509 |
| Theatre Arts | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 172 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 107 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0701 |
| Information Technology | 65 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0103 |
Engineering (5 programs, 167 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 64 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.1901 |
| Civil Engineering | 47 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0801 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.1001 |
| Engineering | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.9999 |
| Computer Engineering | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0901 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at California State University, Chico.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about California State University, Chico
How much does it cost to attend California State University, Chico?
The annual tuition at California State University, Chico is $8,064 for in-state students and $19,944 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $28,030 for in-state students and $39,910 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $16,020 (on) / $11,280 (off) and books and supplies $1,052.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does California State University, Chico offer?
California State University, Chico offers 72 academic programs across 25 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (7 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for California State University, Chico?
California State University, Chico has an 93.7% acceptance rate and a 10.4% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 22,263
- Students admitted: 20,864
- Students enrolled: 2,171
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at California State University, Chico?
California State University, Chico provides financial aid to 15% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $10,331 and average loans of $5,486.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,612
- State/Local grants: $3,438
- Institutional grants: $5,920
- Federal loans: $4,633
The university supports 1,277 students with grants and 753 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for California State University, Chico graduates?
California State University, Chico graduates earn a median salary of $50,493 after 6 years and $64,172 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $41,693 (25th percentile) to $95,212 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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