California State University-Chico vs San Diego State University

Chico, CA — San Diego, CA

Metric
California State University-Chico
Chico, CA
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Location Chico, CA San Diego, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 13,631 35,377
Acceptance Rate 92.7% 36.2%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $8,472 $8,728
Out-of-State Tuition $21,072 $21,328
Avg Net Price $14,480 $15,364
Median Debt at Graduation $16,552 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 63.2% 77.3%
Retention Rate 81.6% 90.6%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,493 $52,620
Median Earnings (10 yr) $64,172 $64,909
Loan Repayment Rate 515600.0% 794300.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California State University-Chico
Chico, CA
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San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-Chico and San Diego State University compare?
California State University-Chico (Chico, CA) has an acceptance rate of 92.7%, in-state tuition of $8,472, and median 10-year earnings of $64,172. San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) has an acceptance rate of 36.2%, in-state tuition of $8,728, and median 10-year earnings of $64,909.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-Chico or San Diego State University?
San Diego State University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,909 vs $64,172. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-Chico or San Diego State University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Chico is the more affordable option at $14,480 per year versus $15,364.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
San Diego State University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 77.3% vs 63.2%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025