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Government-Verified Education Data

California State University-Chico

Chico, California · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$50,493

Acceptance Rate

94%

Graduation Rate

64%

Annual Tuition

$8,064

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of California State University-Chico earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry — 19% above the national median. Acceptance rate 93.7%, in-state tuition $8,064.

At a Glance

Total Students

13,057

Retention Rate

84%

Faculty Ratio

20

Financial Aid

33%

Median Debt

$16,552

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

California State University-Chico is a public university with an acceptance rate of 93.7%. The university enrolls 13,057 students. The average in-state tuition is $8,064. The university's retention rate is 83.7%, and its graduation rate is 63.9%.

One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $42,772. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $50,493, and ten years after graduation, the median salary is $64,172. The median debt for graduates is $16,552, and 33.1% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$43k

1 YEAR

$50k

5 YEARS

$64k

10 YEARS

Top 31% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, alumni from California State University-Chico earn a median salary of $42,772. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $50,493. Ten years after graduation, the median salary is $64,172. The median debt for graduates is $16,552.

The university has a high acceptance rate of 93.7% and a graduation rate of 63.9%. The retention rate is 83.7%. Approximately 33.1% of students receive financial aid. The in-state tuition is $8,064.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 670 / yr
Median Salary $72,622

Psychology, General

Graduates 369 / yr
Median Salary $48,227

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 237 / yr
Median Salary $28,236

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Graduates 210 / yr
Median Salary $27,196

Criminal Justice and Corrections

Graduates 173 / yr
Median Salary $36,045

Sociology

Graduates 144 / yr
Median Salary $36,992

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 127 / yr
Median Salary $38,421

Design and Applied Arts

Graduates 124 / yr
Median Salary $27,573

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 121 / yr
Median Salary $113,181

Social Work

Graduates 115 / yr
Median Salary $62,661

Construction Engineering Technologies

Graduates 115 / yr
Median Salary $88,648

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 102 / yr
Median Salary $73,297

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

Graduates 90 / yr
Median Salary $40,057

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies

Graduates 89 / yr
Median Salary $33,920

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Graduates 88 / yr
Median Salary $49,967

Political Science and Government

Graduates 86 / yr
Median Salary $41,893

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services

Graduates 75 / yr
Median Salary $73,232

Biology, General

Graduates 75 / yr
Median Salary $37,120

Nutrition Sciences

Graduates 74 / yr
Median Salary $25,490

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 74 / yr
Median Salary $27,045

Animal Sciences

Graduates 72 / yr
Median Salary $33,387

History

Graduates 71 / yr
Median Salary $30,697

Agricultural Business and Management

Graduates 71 / yr
Median Salary $47,937

Journalism

Graduates 68 / yr
Median Salary $35,668

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Campus Location

Chico, California

Chico, CA 95929-0150

California State University-Chico is located in Chico, California. The campus is in a city setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

California State University-Chico has an acceptance rate of 93.7%.