California State University-Chico prices access to a four-year degree at levels that reflect its public-university mission. Low-income families pay approximately $9,902 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $12,961, and higher-income families pay closer to $23,566.
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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 prices access to a four-year degree at levels that reflect its public-university mission. Low-income families pay approximately $9,902 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $12,961, and higher-income families pay closer to $23,566. Azimuth ranks California State University-Chico #186 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The spread across income bands reflects the role of need-based aid in reducing out-of-pocket costs for qualifying families, with lower-income students seeing the most meaningful reduction from the published cost of attendance of $26,283. Cal State Chico participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, and California's Cal Grant program provides an additional layer of grant support for eligible in-state students that can substantially reduce net price beyond what federal Pell Grants alone cover. Families applying for aid use the FAFSA to establish eligibility, and the combination of federal and state grants means that many low- and middle-income California residents pay considerably less than the sticker price suggests. The is particularly relevant here — published costs and actual family costs can diverge significantly depending on income and state residency. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $16,552, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $17,585; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $65,228, median federal debt of $16,552 projects to a monthly payment of about $187 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of California State University–Chico earn a median of $65,228 four years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 70.0th percentile for median earnings among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $13,683 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing CSU Chico in the 91.1st percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks CSU Chico #445 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 70.0th percentile overall.
The earnings pattern corresponds to CSU Chico's program mix, with Business representing 14% of graduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations is the largest program, with 585 graduates earning a median of $72,651 four years after enrollment; Azimuth ranks the program #87 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions per the program-ranking methodology. Azimuth ranks Psychology, General #103 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions with 346 graduates earning $52,621, while Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ranks #40 nationally with 216 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $55,008.
