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California State University - Chico Campus: Ranking & Placements
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132 acre campus- Estd. 1887
Last updated on 26 Nov '25CSU ChicoWhat's new?
- Admissions for entry to the Fall semester are now open for Indian students at the California State University Chico.
- The upcoming deadline for UG students is Apr 1 for UG and May 1 for PG courses.
About California State University Chico
California State University is a public university located in First Street Chico, California, USA. The University was founded in 1887 and is regarded as the second oldest campus in the California State University system. The University has an enrollment of over 14,600+ students with 2% international students. California State University offers 7 colleges and 5 schools with multiple programs offered at the undergraduate, and graduate levels.
Things to Know About California State University Chico
Some important things to know about California State University Chico are listed below:
|
Particulars |
Validations |
|---|---|
|
Acceptance Rate |
91% |
|
Total No. of Students Enrolled |
14,600+ |
|
Public or Private University |
Public University |
|
Annual Tuition Cost |
UG: INR 16.47 L – 16.68 L PG: INR 12.7 L – 18.38 L |
|
Popular Programs |
Master of Business Administration Master of Science in Data Science & Analytics Master of Science in Environmental Science Computer Science MS Nutritional Science MS |
History
California State University Chico was established in 1887 on the eight-acre cherry orchards donated by John Bidwell. Today, the boundaries of his cherry orchards are planted with cherry trees in remembrance of John Bidwell. The construction of the Chico State Normal School began in the coming years. The school opened its campus in 1889 with 90 students and five faculty members enrolled. The Chico State Normal School came to be known as the Chico State Teachers College in 1921 and introduced a junior college curriculum around the same time. In 1924, the college introduced baccalaureate degrees. Chico State Teachers College faced a major challenge when the Normal Building was destroyed in a fire in 1927. Soon, the College set up a new administration building which came to be known as the Kendall Hall. In 1935, Chico State Teachers College came to be known as Chico State College. Around the same time, the College also introduced the Bachelors of Science and Master’s degrees.
It was in 1972, when Chico State College came to be known as California State University, Chico. Over time the university grew with 132 acres of campus core and also, managed to establish 800 acres of farmland and 4,043 acres of ecological reserves. In 1986 the university reorganized some of the academic departments and programs and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1987. Ever since the university has continued to establish new features and organize multiple events at the university.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The graduates of the California State University – Chico campus moved to the following areas like Northern CA, Bay Area, Southern CA, Sacramento, out of state and out of country. A total of 43% of graduates moved to Northern CA.
California State University Chico Rankings
California State University - Chico is rated very highly by several prominent ranking platforms including Shiksha. The institution is widely recognized for providing a world class learning environment to its student body with access to all essential facilities & industry standard resources.
A prominent ranking platform gave the institute an overall rank of #20 as part of its rankings of the best US institutions. The same platform ranked it #11 among public schools in the Regional Universities (West) category. Apart from this, the institute stood out in several other key areas including:
- #8 for best value degree
- #23 for Social Mobility
- #14 for Best Colleges for Veterans
Additionally, Shiksha as part of its latest popularity rankings ranks the institute #284 for its BBA program & #310 for its Business & Management related studies.
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
A prominent publication ranks CSU Chico #20 out of 118 Regional Universities in the West. Shiksha as per its the latest popularity rankings ranks the institution #284 for its B.B.A. programme & #310 for its Business & Management related programs, further solidifying its status as one of the best institutions in the U.S & globally.
Yes, a degree from the California State University is accepted by most institutions across several sectors in India & across the globe. The institute is accredited by WSCUC/WASC since 1954. The institute was last accredited by WSCUC in 2019.
California State University graduates are very much in demand to several top MNC's in the US & across the globe, listed below are some of the top companies:
- Amazon
- Apple
- Nielson
- Cisco Systems
- Dell
California State University Chico Programs
International students at California State University Chico campus can choose to study from over 200 bachelor’s and master’s degree courses. The study areas of the bachelor’s degree include Biochemistry, Business Administration, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, etc. At the master’s level, the study areas include History, English, Psychology, Communication Studies, Business Administration, etc.
The pie chart given below offers information about California State University Chico courses offered:
Note: The 'Others' in the pie chart refers to some other courses offered such as Journalism, Economics, Project Management, etc.
3.7(1)18 months - 3 years
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
CSU Chico can be a good option for international students looking to pursue higher studies from the US. The institution offers an enriching & creative learning envrionment to its students & is far more affordable as compared to some other US institutions. Its acceptance rate of 91% suggests the institution happily accepts domestic & international students to its courses. The institute is accreditated by prominent US boards such as WSCUC & WASC since 1954. It recieved its the latest accreditation in 2019.
Popular courses of California State University Chico campus is listed below alog with the fees and duration of the courses:
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 18 months-2 years | INR 12.6 L - 13.3 L | |
| 4 years | INR 16.4 L - 17 L | |
| 18-24 months | INR 17.2 L | |
| 2 years | INR 12.6 L - 13.6 L | |
| 4 years | INR 16.4 L | |
| 4 years | INR 16.4 L | |
| 2-3 years | INR 12.6 L - 14.3 L | |
| 4 years | INR 16.4 L |
Pursuing studies at the Chico campus of the California State University is a lot more affordable as compared to most other four-year colleges. The cost of living is lesser & the institute provides a range of financial aid options to help students over the duration of respective educational journeys.
The tuition fee for international students UG students lies in the range of INR 16.47 L – 16.68 L, while the tuition fee for international PG students is around INR 12.7 L – INR 18.38 L.
California State University - Chico Campus Admission 2026
For California State University - Chico Campus admission, Indian students have to apply online through the official website. The general admission requirements include meeting the entry requirements and English language proficiency requirements. The California State University - Chico Campus accepts English Language exam scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and GRE as a proof. Also at the end of application process, there is an application fee. To complete the application process, students are required to submit a few documents such as SOP, LOR and CV.
- Application fees :USD 70
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Yes, CSU Chico offers 3 kinds of scholarships to ease the financial burden on students & ensure that money doesn't become an obstacle in the educational journey of the good students.
The institute primarily offers 3 kinds of scholarships, as listed below:
- Wildcat Scholarship - Merit based & need-based scholarships are offered to eligible candidates
- Departmental - Department wise scholarships are offered to students, refer the respective departments for information regarding application deadines
- External - Scholarships are provided in collaboration with other external institutions such as local businesses
CSU ChicoCalifornia State University Chico Scholarships 2025
To ease the financial burden on students & ensure money doesn't become an obstacle in their educational journey, the California State University offers a range of scholarships & financial aids to students across all academic programs. The Scholarships are offered by various departments & organizations who meets the specific eligibility criteria. The institute encourage all students to apply for scholarships regardless of GPA & academic accomplishments.
The institute invites admission applications from interested students within the application deadlines listed below:
| Application | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Wildcat Scholarship Application | Closed |
| Letters of Recommendation |
Feb 20, 2025 |
The institute offers 3 types of scholarships to students:
- Wildcat Scholarship
- Departmental Scholarship
- External Scholarships
The Wildcat Scholarships provides financial aid to students on a merit-based & need basis. The departmental scholarships are handed out by heads of respective departments to the students enrolled under their departments. As part of the external scholarships, private organizations such as schools & local businesses hand out scholarships to students based on academic qualifications & accomplishments.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, the institute provides a host of scholarships to students based on respective needs & educational accomplishments.
CSU Chico primarily offers 3 types of scholarships to its students: Wildcat, Departmental, & External.
As part of the Wildcat Scholarships, hundreds of scholarships are handed out to students in need or based on their educational qualifications.
The departmental scholarships are handed out to students by the heads of respective departments, while the external scholarships typically involve distribution of financial aid by external organizations such as local businesses & private organizations.
CSU Chico Popular Courses
18 monthsCSU ChicoStudents Ratings & Reviews
1 Verified Review
- 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
California State University Chico Placements
Graduates of CSU secure placements in multiple organizations and industries after graduation. The CSU Chico placement rate for several programs offered is 100%. The graduates of the university secure placements in organizations and industries as listed below:
- The graduates of California State University Chico secure placements in organizations such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft, Cisco, and others.
- The alumni of CSU Chico are employed in industries such as Engineering, Community and Social Services, Information Technology, Operations, and others.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
Note: The 'others' in the pie chart refers to some other placement opportunities such as Consulting, Marketing, Media & Communication, etc.
ROI After Education at California State University Chico
The average salary of the graduates at California State University Chico is USD 59,981 (INR 50 L).
(1 USD = 84.36 L)
Top Employers
The graduates of CSU Chico are employed in top companies across multiple organizations such as:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Apple
- Oracle
- Salesforce
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Over 750 companies come to California State University – Chico campus to recruit students. The companies are Apple, Amazon, Google, Amazon, Spotify, EY, Intel Corp, Twitter, General Electric, PayPal. The faculty and career counselors at CSU, Chico campus ensure that students are prepared and ready to find a job post-graduation. Various programs at CSU, Chico campus proudly claim 100% job placement rates for some its courses. These programs are Accounting, Business Information Systems, Agricultural Science and Education, Communication Science and Disorders.
California State University – Chico campus’ career center is the one-stop destination to know about internships and career advices. It provides services like career and internship advising, on-campus interviews, seminars, mock interviews, career fairs, resume and cover letters reviews, etc.
California State University Chico Fees
California State University tuition fee for ug students ranges around INR 16.47 L 16.68 L. The tuition fee for pg students at the university is around INR 12.7 L INR 18.38 L but some other expenses that need to be taken into consideration by the international students at the university include the cost of transportation, accommodation, books and other course-related expenses of the students as well. The California State University Chico fees for the 2025-26 academic year for international ug and pg students at the university is listed below:
|
Expense Type |
UG/PG Estimated Expense |
|---|---|
|
Books & Supplies |
USD 1,052 (INR 88,742) |
|
Housing |
USD 8,570 (INR 7.2 L) |
|
Meals |
USD 3,250 (INR 2.7 L) |
|
Personal Expenses |
USD 1,252 (INR 1.0 L) |
|
Health Insurance |
USD 1,250 (INR 1.0 L) |
(1 USD = 84.36 L)
Also read: Study in USA - Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(10 courses) | INR 13 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 59 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE: 300 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(11 courses) | INR 17 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE: 47 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 61 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 59 & Above, Duolingo |
B.Sc.(15 courses) | INR 18 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE: 47 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 61 & Above |
M.A.(10 courses) | INR 13 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 59 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
BBA(5 courses) | INR 18 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE: 47 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 61 & Above |
MSN(1 course) | INR 15 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
B.A.(4 courses) | INR 18 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE: 47 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 61 & Above |
BHM(1 course) | INR 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
According to the facts of California State University, Chico campus, the tuition fee is USD 32,380 for undergraduate students. Whereas, the tuition fee for the master’s programs is USD 31,430.
In order to take admission into undergraduate programme at CSU, Chico campus, you need to meet the GPA requirements as specified by the university. Apart from this, you must also have English language proficiency scores of IELTS / TOEFL / PTE. No SAT score is required to take admission into the undergraduate courses.
The below data can be referred to know about MS in Computer Science fees for international students at CSU Chico campus:
Fees components | Amount |
|---|---|
Tuition & fees | INR 13,32,354 |
Hostel & Meals | INR 8,23,157 |
Insurance | INR 57,658 |
Personal Expenses | INR 1,58,184 |
Books & Supplies | INR 94,877 |
International Student Fee | INR 8,308 |
Total | INR 2,474,538 |
CSU ChicoStudent profile
Others
53%
Hispanic
37%
Asian
5%
Black
2%
In state
100%
24 and under
85%
25 and over
14%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
California State University Chico Notable Alumni
The institute has been home to a number of notable alumni members who have utilised respective talents & gone on to make significant contributions to respective industries.
Mentioned below are some prominent alumni members of the Chico State campus:
- Raymond Carver: Writer & Poet
- Mat Kearney: American Musician
- Chris Wondolowski: American Soccer Player
- Clair Engle: United States Senator
- Bill Wattenburg: American Inventor & Engineer
Listed below are some notable alumni members of the institute:
|
Alumni Name |
Alumni Profession |
Alumni |
|---|---|---|
|
Don Young |
Politician |
|
|
Mike Thompson |
Politician |
|
|
John Pugh |
Artist |
CSU Chico Vs San Jose State University Vs San Diego State University: Which is better?
CSU Chico San Jose State Uni and San Diego State Uni are all well known universities located in USA. UG tuition fees of above mentioned universities are listed below:
|
University Name |
UG Annual Tuition Cost |
|---|---|
|
California State University Chico |
INR 16.47 L – 16.68 L |
|
San Jose State University |
INR 16.61 L – 18.27 L |
|
San Diego State University |
INR 10.53 L – 17.65 L |
The infographic given below offers university comparison between California State Uni Chico San Jose State Uni and San Diego State Uni:
Compare CSU Chico with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 13.48 L - 20.31 L | -/- | |
| INR 10.94 L - 20.17 L | #1542 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 12.59 L - 21.4 L | #179 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 11.64 L - 18.41 L | #139 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 13.06 L - 26.26 L | #208 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 12.39 L - 27.23 L | #1279 US News, 2025 |
CompareCSU ChicoStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
California State University Chico Campus Life
Located in Chico, California, the CSU Chico campus offers a study environment that is second to none.
The institute's campus offers an range of world class infrastructural facilities to students. Its classrooms, & study spaces are equipped with all the essential facilities including internet services. The thing that stands out with the university campus is that cultural event participation is given equal priority as academics.
Students can be part of a number of student societies from academics to sports, music, arts & research, the institute offers something for everyone. Regular community interaction is an key aspect of the student life at CSU Chico with club meetings, guest lectures & free food movie nights to resource fairs taking up a big chunnk of the institute's campus calendar.
The institute campus is full of vibrancy & cultural diversity with students from 34 US states & 48 countries arriving at CSU Chico to pursue respective studies. 48% of the overall campus student population is constituted by first generation students. The institute provides ample support to students with a host of student support facilities including:
- Academic Support Center
- Health & Wellness Services
- Career Services, Learning & Development
To sum it up, the university campus life is vibrant & full of resources for everyone to take up based on respective interests.
For Housing, students can opt for university housing or off-campus housing as per personal interests:
- On-Campus: The university provides on-campus housing to students as part of its residential halls. The on-campus housing is allocated on a lottery basis. Students are provided all essential facilities with study lounges & laundry facilities a common feature at every hall. Printers are available campus wide with 50 free pages of printing allowed per semester. The housing staff is there to assist students 24x7.
- Off-Campus: The Chico State housing does not manage off-campus housing for students, however it does manage a dedicated house search platform for students looking at accommodation near the campus. Students are advised to refer the official institute website for more detailed information regarding off-campus housing.
Commonly asked questions On Others
The institute does not manage off-campus accommodation facilities for its students, however it does manage a dedicated platform to connect interested students with off-campus apartment lenders near the university campus.
Students are advised to refer the institute's official website for more detailed information.
Students at Chico State University campus have a ton of options to choose from to spend their free time at. Students can opt to join a club from the institute's long list of options including: atheletics, research, healthcare, music, arts, books, etc.
Watch or be part of a student musical or music bands, or take up any sport such as American Football & swimming. The student community also organizes movie nights at regular intervals along with meditation programs & music concerts.
All essential facilities needed to maintain a decent standard of life are provided by the university housing to its students.
Mentioned below are some of the facilities offered:
- Study Lounges
- Laundry faciities
- Double occupancy bedrooms
- 24x7 professional staff aid
- Printers
- Game lounges
- Common bathroom & shower facilities
California State University Chico Campus FAQs
Find below the FAQs related to the California State University Chico campus:
CSU, Chico campus is a “top public school in the west” for 20 years running as per U.S. News & World Report (till 2021). Apart from this, it takes pride in itself for providing student-centered approach and commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The faculty at CSU, Chico campus encourage students to become the very best versions of themselves. The university focuses on students’ personal and professional growth.
California State University – Chico campus has been ranked at the 26th position in the regional universities West as per U.S. News & World Report in the 2022-23. The ranking factors include graduation and retention rates, social mobility, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources, financial resources per student, etc.
California State University – Chico campus aims to provide the academic excellence to its students. It is a top college in America for educational quality and value according to Forbes magazine. Apart from this, CSU Chico campus is considered a great value college because the alumni has high placement rates. Also, Chico’s cost of living is great as the housing rentals are 80% lower on an average than those in San Francisco, California.
The main campus of CSU, Chico campus is 132 acres. There is an university farm of 800 acres as well. It also has ecological reserves of 4,043 acres. Meriam library of the university is a four storey building, that has a million print volumes. There are various laboratories on campus for Agriculture, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Psychology, etc.
CSU Chico
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 9 months ago
Chico is referred to as the cultural and economic center of the northern Sacramento Valley & also as a college town housing the California State University, Chico. The town is also home to the Bidwell Park which is one of the largest urban parks in the world.
Listed below are some popular tourist att
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California State University - Chico Campus
CSU ChicoLocation
| University City | Chico, California, USA |
CSU ChicoCampuses
400 W 1st St, Chico, CA 95929, USA
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