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California State University-Chico

400 W. First St, Chico, CA 95929-0722, USA

California State University-Chico award
California State University-Chico award
US ranking
position: 101
Tuition & fees per year: $8,896
Acceptance rate: 94.00%
Median alumni salary: $42,772
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does California State University-Chico offer in terms of athletics?

California State University-Chico provides a robust athletics program that offers opportunities for students to engage in competitive sports across multiple disciplines. The university fields teams in NCAA Division II, competing primarily in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Students can participate in a variety of men's and women's sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and cross country, among others.

Chico State emphasizes both team and individual athletic development, offering student-athletes access to well-equipped training facilities and experienced coaching staff. The school fosters a competitive yet supportive environment where athletes can pursue excellence while balancing academic responsibilities.

The athletics program is designed to encourage school spirit and community involvement, with games and meets hosted throughout the academic year that attract students, faculty, and local residents. This engagement helps enhance the overall campus experience for those involved and the wider university population.

Additionally, Chico State supports intramural and recreational sports for students who wish to participate in athletics at non-varsity levels, providing a broad spectrum of opportunities to maintain physical fitness and build social connections.

What student groups and Associations are available at California State University-Chico?

California State University-Chico offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among these are Christian Challenge, CRU, SAE Baja Club, NSLS, and Omicron Theta Epsilon, providing opportunities for students to engage in faith-based activities, leadership development, engineering projects, academic honor societies, and other extracurricular involvement.

Who studies at California State University-Chico?

California State University-Chico enrolls a predominantly in-state student body, with 97% of students coming from within California, placing it in the top 15% nationally for in-state enrollment. Out-of-state students constitute only 2%, which is comparatively low and among the bottom 15% for the same metric. Nearly all students are from the United States, at 99%, ranking the university in the top 30% for the proportion of domestic students.

The university welcomes a significant number of new students each year, with freshmen making up 2,171 individuals, ranking in the top 25%. Transfer students represent an even more substantial segment at 1,888, a level considered very high and within the top 5% nationally. The total new student intake stands at 4,059, which is also high relative to similar institutions.

The student age distribution reflects a broad range, particularly among undergraduates. The majority are young adults aged 18 to 21 years, with 3,740 aged 18-19 and 4,014 aged 20-21. There remains a considerable portion of students in older age brackets, including more than 3,000 between 22 and 29 years old and nearly 1,000 students above 30, demonstrating an inclusive environment for non-traditional learners.

Diversity at California State University-Chico is notable. Hispanic students number 5,170, a representation so strong it ranks in the top 5% nationally. White students also make up a large segment at 5,477, ranked in the top 25%. Other ethnic groups such as African American students total 399, Asian students 710, Native American students 65, and Pacific Islanders 29. Moreover, 758 students identify with two or more races, placing that group in the top 15% across institutions. There is also a substantial number of students classified as 'unknown' ethnicity at 474, which is relatively high compared to other campuses.

How does student life look like at California State University-Chico?

California State University-Chico offers a diverse and active student life with a variety of cultural and support services on campus. Students can engage with on-campus media such as the campus newspaper, radio, and theater productions, as well as participate in chorus activities. While there is no campus band or TV station, other creative outlets are available for student involvement.

Health and well-being are supported through available services including a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office. The university also provides legal services and maintains a women's center, ensuring resources are accessible for different student needs.

The campus spans 119 acres, providing ample space for academic, recreational, and extracurricular activities. With an enrollment of over 14,500 students, the student body is vibrant and diverse, including representation from 58 different countries, offering a rich multicultural environment.

Students experience a student-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, which is considered very high and places the university in the top 5% nationally, potentially impacting class sizes and faculty accessibility.

What libraries are available to students at California State University-Chico?

California State University-Chico offers students access to two libraries, including the primary Meriam Library. The university's library system ranks in the top half nationally for the total number of libraries and other resources, reflecting a solid commitment to supporting academic research.

Students benefit from a collection of approximately 570,000 books and over 830,000 ebooks, placing the institution within the top 45% for both categories. The availability of nearly 14,000 subscriptions and more than 158,000 digital subscriptions further enhances research opportunities, with these figures also positioning the university above the median percentile nationwide.

While the number of databases is somewhat lower-138, placing it just below the median-students still enjoy comprehensive access to scholarly materials. Facilities include study rooms and physical spaces designed for academic use, with both all-day and digital access options to accommodate varied schedules. Trained staff are on hand to assist with research needs, and the library participates in shared collections, broadening the scope of accessible materials for students.

California State University-Chico Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

14581

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

2146

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

437 full time, 446 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

California State University-Chico Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Meriam Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

California State University-Chico Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

California State University-Chico Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

California State University-Chico Location & Map