California State University, Chico SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 91.6% acceptance rate, Chico State is broadly accessible, so your strategy should focus on fit, grades, and staying on track to graduate. Since Chico State is test-free, SAT or ACT scores will not factor into admission. A 3.39 average entering GPA gives you a practical benchmark to aim for.
⬡ LangSmith96bfc93e-e6db-457a-bfed-9b6d029bc2cbData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California State University, Chico facts and stats
California State University, Chico enrolls 13,392 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Chico State has an 81% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 63% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21.8:1. Chico State is test-free for admissions.
⬡ LangSmith03caf6aa-2bd9-48fe-a985-2be3afe2491bChico, CA
How does your GPA compare at Chico State?
Key California State University, Chico application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
December 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
December 15
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Chico State is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and you do not need testing to meet the December 15 application deadline. Any retakes or superscoring strategy only matters for other test-using colleges on your list.
⬡ LangSmith88323d11-1c89-4558-aece-077e8c3cbe0dWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at California State University, Chico?
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What you'll actually pay
At Chico State, in-state tuition is $6,084 and out-of-state tuition is $18,552. About 51% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,210. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
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For students coming from outside California, Chico State’s tuition is $18,552, while California students pay $6,084; room and board adds about $16,500. About 51% of students receive financial aid, with an average package of $12,112. Merit awards average $3,210, which can help reduce the bill further. Graduates leave with an average debt of $5,715.
⬡ LangSmithc6c2ffde-7a78-48dd-b720-06296dd0610dStudent life at California State University, Chico
2% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CAAcceptance rate: 93.2%
SAT: 820–1010
ACT: 13–13
California State University-Channel Islands
Camarillo, CAAcceptance rate: 94.8%
California State University, San Marcos
San Marcos, CAAcceptance rate: 95.1%
SAT: 880–1070
ACT: 18–23
California State University, Monterey Bay
Seaside, CAAcceptance rate: 97.3%
SAT: 900–1220
ACT: 20–26
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