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California State University, Chico SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range990 to 1293

ACT Range23 to 28

Average GPA3.39

Acceptance Rate91.6%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Chico, CA

Undergrad Enrollment13,392

Freshman Retention81%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio21.8:1

Graduation Rate63%

Test PolicyTest-free

How does your GPA compare at Chico State?

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Key California State University, Chico application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

December 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

December 15

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

In-State Tuition$6,084

Out-of-State Tuition$18,552

Room and Board$16,500

Average Merit Award$3,210

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid51%

Average Aid Package$12,112

Average Debt at Grad$5,715

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.