Colleges in Chico, California
3 colleges and universities — federal Scorecard data.
There are 3 colleges and universities in Chico, California (2 Public, 1 Private for-profit). The figures below are pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — the same federal dataset colleges are required to report to.
Across all 3 institutions, the median net price after grants and scholarships works out to about $15,109 per year, the median 6-year graduation rate is 75.1%, schools that report admissions data accept a median 93% of applicants.
The median net price in Chico runs about $5,603 lower than the California statewide median of $20,711.
Whether you're comparing in-state public tuition, looking for a private nonprofit with strong outcomes, or trying to find the right program in Chico, the table below lets you sort every institution side-by-side on cost, admissions, graduation rate, and size.
Median net price
$15,109
After aid
Median grad rate
75.1%
6-year
Median admission rate
93%
Median enrollment
6,836
Undergrad
All colleges in Chico
Sorted by enrollment.
| School | State | Type | Net price | Grad rate | Admission | Size | Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Chico Chico, CA | CA | Public, 4-year | $14,480 | 62.8% | 93% | 13,631 | Complete | |
| Butte County Regional Occupational Program Chico, CA | CA | Public, <2-year | $15,737 | 87.5% | Not available | 41 | Partial | |
| Cal Northern School of Law Chico, CA | CA | Private for-profit, 4-year | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Missing |
By institution type
Public (2)
Public colleges in Chico are state- or locally-funded institutions that typically offer lower in-state tuition and serve a broad mix of residents and commuters.
- California State University-ChicoNet price: $14,480Grad: 62.8%
- Butte County Regional Occupational ProgramNet price: $15,737Grad: 87.5%
Private for-profit (1)
Private for-profit colleges in Chico operate as businesses, generally focused on career-oriented and online programs with rolling admissions.
- Cal Northern School of LawNet price: Not availableGrad: Not available
Top programs in Chico
Most-completed programs across Chico colleges, weighted by enrollment.
- Business14.1% of degrees
- Social sciences10.3% of degrees
- Health professions8.4% of degrees
- Psychology7.9% of degrees
- Parks & recreation6.3% of degrees
- Liberal arts6.2% of degrees
- Agriculture6.0% of degrees
- Visual & performing arts5.8% of degrees
Frequently asked questions about colleges in Chico
Q.How many colleges are in Chico, California?
There are 3 colleges and universities in Chico, California that report to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — 2 Public, 1 Private for-profit.
Q.What is the largest college in Chico?
By undergraduate enrollment, California State University-Chico is the largest institution in Chico with roughly 13,631 undergraduates.
Q.What is the cheapest college in Chico?
Based on average net price after aid, California State University-Chico is the most affordable institution in Chico at $14,480 per year.
Q.Which Chico college has the highest graduation rate?
Butte County Regional Occupational Program reports the highest 6-year graduation rate among Chico institutions at 87.5%.
Q.What is the average tuition in Chico?
The median net price across all 3 colleges in Chico is $15,109 per year after grants and scholarships.
Q.What are the most popular college majors in Chico?
Across Chico colleges, the most-completed programs by share of degrees awarded are Business, Social sciences, Health professions.
Q.Are there community colleges in Chico?
Yes — Chico includes 2 public institutions, many of which offer 2-year associate degrees and transfer pathways to 4-year programs.
Other cities in California
Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS. Medians are computed across institutions in Chico that report each metric. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with each institution.