Is California State University-Chico worth it?

Chico, CA · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $14,480 a year after aid, graduate with $16,552 in federal debt, and earn $50,493 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $177, with a debt break-even of about 3.3 years.

Net price / year

$14,480

Admission rate

93%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$16,552

Earnings (6 yr)

$50,493

Earnings (10 yr)

$64,172

Est. monthly loan payment

$177

Loan-to-income ratio

33%

Debt break-even

3.3 years

How California State University-Chico compares

MetricCalifornia State University-ChicoCaliforniaNational
Net price$14,480$18,742$16,642
Median debt$16,552$10,028$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$50,493$33,633$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend California State University-Chico?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,480 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do California State University-Chico graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at California State University-Chico leave with a median federal debt of $16,552, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do California State University-Chico graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $50,493, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at California State University-Chico?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is California State University-Chico worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 3.3 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.