California State University-Chico

California State University-Chico is a public university located in Chico, California, with an enrollment of approximately 13,631 students. The university admits the large majority of applicants — its acceptance rate is 92.7%, meaning most people who apply are offered admission. Among enrolled students, 42.5% receive Pell Grants, indicating that a significant share of the student body qualifies for need-based federal aid.

In-state tuition is $8,472 per year, and out-of-state tuition is $21,072 per year. The average annual net price — the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, after grant and scholarship aid is applied — is $14,480. This figure represents what students pay on average after aid and can exceed published tuition, particularly for students who receive little or no grant assistance.

Roughly one-third of students (32.4%) take out federal student loans. Among those who completed a credential and borrowed federally, the median loan debt was $16,552. Of borrowers entering repayment, 71% are actively reducing their loan balance within three years, suggesting that most borrowers are managing their debt rather than falling behind or deferring payments.

CSU Chico's retention rate — the share of first-year students who return for a second year — is 81.6%. The graduation rate is 62.8%. Median earnings are $64,172, measured ten years after enrollment across all federally-aided students who enrolled, including those who did not complete a degree. Because this figure includes non-completers, actual earnings for graduates may differ.

Among the programs available, CSU Chico offers coursework relevant to urban planning, a field that prepares students for careers in land use, community development, and regional planning. Prospective students interested in this or other career-focused areas should review the university's current program listings directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on available credentials and degree requirements.