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California College of the Arts vs California State University-Chico

California College of the Arts is a private college in San Francisco, CA, and California State University-Chico is a public university in Chico, CA. California College of the Arts is the more selective of the two, admitting about 91% of applicants against 93% at California State University-Chico. California State University-Chico is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,480 a year against $53,909 at California College of the Arts. About 63% of students graduate at California State University-Chico, compared with 62% at California College of the Arts. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-Chico alumni earn a median of about $64,172, against $49,414 for California College of the Arts.

California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA · Private

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Francisco, CA
Chico, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
990
13,631
Acceptance rate
91%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.17–3.67
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1310
970–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
19–28
18–24
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$53,909
$14,480
Full cost / yr
$79,776
$26,283
In-state tuition
$60,226
$8,472
Out-of-state tuition
$60,226
$21,072
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$61,407
$9,902
$30k - $48k
$43,261
$10,099
$48k - $75k
$45,378
$12,961
$75k - $110k
$46,060
$16,506
Over $110k
$56,394
$23,566
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
63%
Freshman retention
87%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,308
$50,493
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,414
$64,172
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$16,552
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
43%
First-generation students
24%
47%
International students
32%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Not reported
Dec 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is California College of the Arts or California State University-Chico harder to get into?
California College of the Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 93% at California State University-Chico. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California College of the Arts or California State University-Chico?
California State University-Chico is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,480 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $53,909 at California College of the Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at California College of the Arts and California State University-Chico?
Before aid, California State University-Chico costs about $26,283 a year and California College of the Arts about $79,776. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California College of the Arts or California State University-Chico?
California State University-Chico. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,902 there, against about $61,407 at California College of the Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California College of the Arts or California State University-Chico?
California State University-Chico is the larger of the two, with about 13,631 undergraduates against 990 at California College of the Arts.
Does California College of the Arts or California State University-Chico have a better graduation rate?
California State University-Chico has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 62% at California College of the Arts.
Do graduates of California College of the Arts or California State University-Chico earn more?
California State University-Chico alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,172 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,414 for California College of the Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California College of the Arts and California State University-Chico require SAT or ACT scores?
California College of the Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. California State University-Chico is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do California College of the Arts and California State University-Chico look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1310 at California College of the Arts and 970–1170 at California State University-Chico. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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