California State University-Chico vs University of San Diego
California State University-Chico is a public university in Chico, CA, and University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA. University of San Diego is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. About 83% of students graduate at University of San Diego, compared with 63% at California State University-Chico. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $86,522, against $64,172 for California State University-Chico.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chico, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,631
5,671
Acceptance rate
93%
52%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.17–3.67
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1170
1190–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
26–31
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,480
$30,365
Full cost / yr
$26,283
$78,720
In-state tuition
$8,472
$59,486
Out-of-state tuition
$21,072
$59,486
Application fee
$70
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,902
$15,586
$30k - $48k
$10,099
$17,441
$48k - $75k
$12,961
$19,557
$75k - $110k
$16,506
$27,012
Over $110k
$23,566
$46,989
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
83%
Freshman retention
82%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,493
$64,995
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,172
$86,522
Median debt at graduation
$16,552
$22,940
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
21%
First-generation students
47%
25%
International students
1%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Dec 15
Jan 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.
- Is California State University-Chico or University of San Diego harder to get into?
- University of San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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 State University-Chico or University of San Diego?
- California State University-Chico is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,480 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,365 at University of San Diego. 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 State University-Chico and University of San Diego?
- Before aid, California State University-Chico costs about $26,283 a year and University of San Diego about $78,720. 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 State University-Chico or University of San Diego?
- California State University-Chico. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,902 there, against about $15,586 at University of San Diego. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-Chico or University of San Diego?
- California State University-Chico is the larger of the two, with about 13,631 undergraduates against 5,671 at University of San Diego.
- Does California State University-Chico or University of San Diego have a better graduation rate?
- University of San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 63% at California State University-Chico.
- Do graduates of California State University-Chico or University of San Diego earn more?
- University of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,522 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,172 for California State University-Chico. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-Chico and University of San Diego require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-Chico is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of San Diego is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do California State University-Chico and University of San Diego look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1170 at California State University-Chico and 1190–1370 at University of San Diego. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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