CSU Fresno vs Chico State

California State University-Fresno and California State University-Chico, both esteemed institutions within the California State University system, offer unique educational experiences to prospective students. While they share similarities as comprehensive universities, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. CSU-Fresno boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students, while CSU-Chico's smaller student body may appeal to those seeking a more intimate learning environment. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with CSU-Fresno excelling in fields like agriculture and engineering, and CSU-Chico renowned for its strong programs in business and education. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	California State University-Chico	California State University-Fresno
Overview
Location	Chico, California	Fresno, California
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	77.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.5%	97.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	19,990	15,231
Total number of admissions given out	17,086	14,816
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,929	3,451
Yield rate	11.3%	23.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,984 Out of state: $35,864	In state: $28,085 Out of state: $39,965
Average net price	$13,749	$6,336
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,609 Meal plan: $3,881	Room/dormitory: $5,433 Meal plan: $4,560
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $8,691	82.0% Average amount $10,314
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $4,637	12.0% Average amount $4,620
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $11,369	0.0% Average amount $8,114

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,462 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%	22,187 Men 39.9% Women 60.1%
Graduate students	1,240 Men 33.6% Women 66.4%	2,860 Men 33.8% Women 66.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	1.3%	1.1%
International students	2.9%	4.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,323	1,139
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Oregon Washington Arizona Colorado	California Arizona Washington Colorado Hawaii

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Engineering Technologies	Education Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Engineering Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	22:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	65.4%	56.6%
Dropout rate	27.4%	36.1%
Transferred out	4.8%	1.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $94,107 Year 2: $95,797 Year 3: $96,478 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,190 Year 2: $83,091 Year 3: $93,961 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,808 Year 2: $74,241 Year 3: $91,563 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,244 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $79,499 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,761 Year 2: $69,617 Year 3: $79,308 Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,803 Year 2: $66,355 Year 3: $76,389 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,879 Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $74,258 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,880 Year 2: $66,222 Year 3: $74,116 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,298 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $69,321 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,812 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $68,680	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $134,798 Year 2: $152,201 Year 3: $138,860 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,496 Year 2: $102,409 Year 3: $120,286 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $86,427 Year 2: $101,964 Year 3: $107,577 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,988 Year 2: $90,049 Year 3: $93,007 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,843 Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $92,510 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,004 Year 2: $85,159 Year 3: $89,931 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,885 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $84,934 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,380 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $83,440 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $81,726 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,361 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $79,715

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between CSU Fresno and CSU Chico?

CSU Fresno, located in the Central Valley, is a larger university with a more urban feel and a stronger focus on agriculture and engineering. CSU Chico, situated in Northern California, is known for its smaller, more close-knit campus environment and its strong liberal arts and sustainability programs. Chico also has a reputation for a vibrant downtown and active student life.
Which university is larger, CSU Fresno or CSU Chico?

CSU Fresno is the larger university, typically enrolling around 25,000 students. CSU Chico generally has a student population closer to 16,000.
How do the academic strengths of CSU Fresno and CSU Chico compare?

CSU Fresno excels in agricultural sciences, engineering, and business. CSU Chico is recognized for its strong programs in liberal arts, environmental science, and communication. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of specialization differ.
What is the campus environment like at CSU Fresno versus CSU Chico?

CSU Fresno has a more urban campus environment, reflecting its location in a larger city. It offers a diverse range of activities and resources typical of a larger university. CSU Chico boasts a more traditional college town atmosphere with a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor recreation due to its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
How do the costs of attending CSU Fresno and CSU Chico compare?

Tuition and fees are generally comparable between CSU Fresno and CSU Chico, as they are both part of the California State University system. However, the overall cost of attendance may vary depending on factors such as housing, transportation, and personal expenses. Fresno may have slightly lower living costs compared to Chico.
What are the popular majors at CSU Fresno?

Popular majors at CSU Fresno include Agricultural Business, Engineering (particularly Civil and Mechanical), Business Administration, Nursing, and Criminology.
What are the popular majors at CSU Chico?

Popular majors at CSU Chico include Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, Liberal Studies (Education), and Communication Studies.
What kind of student life can I expect at CSU Fresno?

CSU Fresno offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities. There's a strong emphasis on athletics, and students can participate in various intramural sports and recreational programs. The university also hosts numerous cultural events and performances throughout the year.
What kind of student life can I expect at CSU Chico?

CSU Chico is known for its active student life, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and community involvement. The university has a wide range of clubs and organizations, and the downtown area offers a variety of entertainment options. Chico also has a reputation for a strong Greek life presence.
How do the career services at CSU Fresno and CSU Chico compare?

Both CSU Fresno and CSU Chico offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. CSU Fresno's career services may have a stronger focus on agricultural and engineering industries, while CSU Chico's may be more geared towards liberal arts and environmental fields.
What are the surrounding areas like for CSU Fresno and CSU Chico?

CSU Fresno is located in the city of Fresno, a major metropolitan area in the Central Valley. The surrounding area offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants. CSU Chico is located in the city of Chico, a smaller college town in Northern California. The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty, including Bidwell Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
Which university is better for students interested in agriculture?

CSU Fresno is generally considered to be the stronger choice for students specifically interested in agriculture. It has a long-standing reputation and extensive resources in this field, including a university farm and specialized research facilities.
Which university is better for students interested in environmental science?

CSU Chico has a strong reputation for its environmental science programs, particularly those focused on sustainability and conservation. Its location near the Sierra Nevada mountains provides ample opportunities for field research and hands-on learning.
Do CSU Fresno and CSU Chico offer on-campus housing?

Yes, both CSU Fresno and CSU Chico offer on-campus housing options for students. Availability and specific housing styles may vary, so it's recommended to check each university's housing website for the most up-to-date information.

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