California State University-Chico's published cost of attendance totals $25,590 annually, including $8,064 in-state tuition, $19,944 out-of-state tuition, $16,020 for room and board, and $1,052 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less due to financial aid, with net price averaging $14,838 after aid is applied.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,283 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,072 |
| Room and Board | $16,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,096 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,803 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,480 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,902 |
| $30–48k | $10,099 |
| $48–75k | $12,961 |
| $75–110k | $16,506 |
| $110k+ | $23,566 |
California State University-Chico's published cost of attendance totals $25,590 annually, including $8,064 in-state tuition, $19,944 out-of-state tuition, $16,020 for room and board, and $1,052 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less due to financial aid, with net price averaging $14,838 after aid is applied. Financial aid provides average savings of $10,752 per student, reducing the sticker price burden substantially.
Compared to a peer median net price of $15,590, California State University-Chico offers competitive value that is $752 below typical costs at similar institutions. The difference between published cost and actual net price demonstrates the institution's commitment to affordability through need-based aid distribution. California residents benefit from substantially lower published tuition compared to out-of-state students, though aid calculations help make attendance accessible across income levels.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
California State University-Chico graduates maintain manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median student debt of $16,552 falls significantly below the peer median of $20,000, representing $3,448 less borrowing than typical graduates from similar institutions.
Debt ranges from $7,000 at the 25th percentile to $22,700 at the 75th percentile, showing variation based on individual circumstances while maintaining reasonable levels across the distribution. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, as graduates can service debt payments with roughly one-quarter of annual earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowers face median debt of $17,126 with monthly payments of $226, representing additional family borrowing that remains at reasonable levels. California State University-Chico ranks in the 83rd percentile nationally for favorable debt outcomes, indicating exceptional performance in controlling student borrowing while maintaining quality education delivery.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
California State University-Chico delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $9,052 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking in the 83.9th percentile nationally and demonstrating institutional effectiveness in producing earnings uplift.
Median earnings of $64,172 exceed peer median earnings by $3,629, indicating superior long-term outcomes relative to similar institutions. With debt levels $3,448 below peer median and earnings $3,629 above peer median, California State University-Chico creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 supports sustainable loan repayment while preserving graduate economic mobility. Parent PLUS median debt of $17,126 represents reasonable family investment relative to demonstrated earnings outcomes.
California State University-Chico demonstrates strong commitment to affordability through substantial financial aid distribution. With 40.1% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution enrolls a significant population of lower-income students who qualify for federal need-based aid.
The $10,752 average financial aid savings represents 42% of the published cost of attendance, indicating meaningful aid distribution across the student population. Net price averaging $14,838 falls below peer median costs by $752, demonstrating competitive value relative to similar institutions.
The progressive net price structure, ranging from $10,045 for lowest-income families to $23,572 for highest-income families, shows targeted aid delivery that particularly benefits students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This aid strategy supports California State University-Chico's role as a Mobility Engine institution, ensuring access for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to degree attainment while maintaining manageable costs across income levels.
