California State University-Chico invites admissions in the Fall and Spring semesters to its over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs through 7 colleges, 5 schools, and 22 centers and institutes. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. 

Admissions at California State University-Chico are slightly selective with an acceptance rate of 72% in the fall of 2022. More than 17,110 (16,164 undergraduate) students are enrolled in the university representing 52 Nations, 31 States, and 1 U.S. Territory.

Due to COVID 19, it has made SAT or ACT scores optional for admission for Fall 2022, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 terms otherwise required to study in the USA. It will thus be using multi-factor admission criteria such as GPA, Local Admission Service area, Veteran Status, Extra-curricular Activities, and more.

  • There are minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for admissions at CSU-Chico. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) is required for undergraduate admissions for international applicants.
  • Graduate applicants require a minimum 2.75 GPA. 
  • Admitted applicants have the following academic profile:
    • Average SAT score: 990-1180
    • ACT Score: 18-24
    • Average GPA: 3.47(admits)/3.36(enrolled)
  • The most popular majors at CSU Chico are Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, International Relations, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, and Psychology

Highlights

Application Portal CAL STATE APPLICATION
Application Fee (non-refundable) 70 USD
Acceptance rate 65%
Average GPA range 3.21
Average SAT range 1070-1240
Average ACT range 19-25
English Proficiency TOEFL, IELTS
TOEFL/SAT code 4048
Mode of Payment VISA, Discover Card, Master Card, Pay Pal

California State University-Chico Acceptance Rate 

With an acceptance rate of 72% in the Fall of 2022, California State University-Chico admissions are slightly selective. A total of 25,908 applications were received in this admission intake, out of which, 18,653 students were offered admission. Thus fulfilling the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

California State University, Chico Application Deadlines

Students are requested to submit their applications prior to the deadlines for them to be considered for admission. The University does not entertain late applications. Here are the deadlines for the enrolment seasons:

It invites admissions in the Fall and Spring semesters. Application deadlines depending upon the enrollment status are tabulated below.

Application Deadlines for International Students:

Semester Undergraduate - Freshman and Transfer Graduate - Master's
Fall (August Start) October 1 – April 1  October 1 – March 1
Spring (January Start) August 1 – September 30 August 1 – September 15

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the deadline for fall 2023 admissions for undergraduate courses has been extended to May 1, 2023. However, deadlines for graduate application remains the same. 

California State University International Student Admissions

California State University accepts international students provided they have completed secondary education with grade point equivalency of 3.0, provided required official academic records, met the appropriate deadlines, and verified financial support for one academic year at least.

The admission application is similar for both international students willing to study in the US and domestic applicants. However, the admission requirements for international applicants are different from domestic applicants.

Application Portal: Students may apply online at the university’s official website by creating a CLA STATE account and thereby submitting the necessary information or by submitting the paper application. There is no separate form for international applicants.

Application Fee: 70 USD

Admission Requirements: International applicants must satisfy the following requirements in order to be eligible for California State University, Chico admissions:

  • A completed admission application
  • Official high school and college transcripts sent directly to CSU campus by the institution
  • Transcripts evaluated and translated by an authorized agency, which are:
  • TOEFL/IELTS score report sent directly to the university
  • Proof of financial support
  • Copy of passport biodata page

Optional Requirements: personal essay, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, portfolios, auditions, and other tests such as GMAT, GRE, MAT, etc.

English Proficiency Test Score for International Students

International applicants are required to present a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score to demonstrate English Proficiency. Students should note that these test scores are valid up to only two years from the test date. The minimum required scores by the university are:

Test Minimum Undergraduate Required Score Minimum Required Graduate Score
TOEFL- paper-based test 500 550
TOEFL- internet-based test 61 80
IELTS 6 6.5
Pearson PTE Academic 47 59

Visa Process for International Students

International students can apply for a student visa to study in the USA right after an application letter is issued. Students whose applications have been approved will be issued the I-20 Form (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa).

Aspirants will be required to submit the following documents while applying for a visa:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of health insurance
  • I-94
  • Current United States Address and Phone Number
  • Original I-20
  • Receipt of 100 USD for I-901 fee payment

After the submission of the completed I-20 form and payment of the SEVIS fee, and all the required documents, students need to schedule an interview with the nearest US embassy.

California State University, Chico Undergraduate Admissions

It offers more than 340 undergraduate majors and minors in the field of Agriculture, Anthropology, Art, Biological Sciences, etc, and many more. The application process to apply to these programs as a freshman is discussed below:

Application Portal: Cal State Apply

Application Fee: 70 USD

Admission Requirements: Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for California State University-Chico admissions:

  • Completed Application
  • Official High School Transcripts
    • Must be accompanied by English translations if not in English.
  • ACT or SAT Scores (Optional)
  • Minimum GPA Required:
    • 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (International Applicants)
    • California Residents with a GPA of 2.5 or above
    • Non-California Resident with GPA of 3.00 or above
  • Minimum of 15 acceptable academic units from an accredited high school for Domestic Applicants. International applicants must have taken equivalent courses.
  • International applicants must submit English Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
    • TOEFL (iBT 61)
    • IELTS (6.0 total band score)
  • Financial Affidavit
  • Passport Copy (International Applicants)

California State University, Chico Graduate Admissions

California State University offers a graduate degree in around 25 fields to students from all over the world. Students applying must have a general GPA of 2.75.

Here are specific academic requirements for some of the popular graduate programs offered by the California State University:

Requirements MBA MS- Biological Sciences MA- Education MA & MS- Psychology
Application Fee (non-refundable) 70 USD 70 USD 70 USD 70 USD
Transcripts Required Required Required Required
GMAT/GRE GMAT- 570+
GRE- 303+
None none GRE
Essay Required Required Required Required
Work Experience Recommended Not Required Not Required Not required
Professional CV/ Resume Required Required Required Recommended
Recommendations Required (2 letters) Required (2 letters) Required (2 letters) Required (3 letters)
Admission Interview Via email Via email Via email Via email

International students can not apply for Agricultural Education, Math Education, and Nursing Programs.

The applicant is informed regarding the admission decision through e-mail within a few weeks of the successful submission of all the required documents to the CSU Chico admission authorities.

Students should note that ACT/SAT scores are not mandatory to be submitted at the time of admission but these results can be used by a student to get placed into higher-level English and/or Math courses. CSU Chico provides admission on a rolling basis until space fills, so students need to be a little patient to receive an admission decisions.

International students can put forward their admission related queries through International Education and Global Engagement, Student Services Centre, +1530-898-5415, apply@csuchico.edu.

FAQs

Ques. How can I apply to California State University-Chico?

Ans. Applications are made through Cal State Apply. An application fee of 70 USD is required as well.

Ques. What are the deadlines for Undergraduates Admissions at CSU Chico?

Ans. Applicants can apply by April 1 for the Fall admissions and September 30 for the Spring semesters.

Ques. What are the most popular majors at California State University-Chico?

Ans. The most popular majors at CSU Chico are Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, International Relations, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, and Psychology

Ques. What are the minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for California State University-Chico admissions?

Ans. There are minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for admissions at CSU-Chico. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) is required for undergraduate admissions for international applicants. Graduate applicants require a minimum 2.75 GPA. 

Ques. How hard is it to get admitted to the CSU-Chico?

Ans. Admissions at California State University-Chico are slightly selective with an acceptance rate of 72% in the fall of 2022

Ques. Do I need to submit SAT/ACT scores to be eligible for CSU admissions?

Ans. Due to COVID 19, it has made SAT or ACT scores optional for admission for Fall 2022, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 terms.

Ques. What are the admission requirements for distance education programs? 

Ans. It is the same as for the on-campus admission requirements. Refer to the requirements on the official website for more details.

Ques. What is the Undergraduate and Graduate on-campus Tuition & Fees for one year?

Ans. It is estimated to be USD 7,868 for fall 2023-24 for undergraduates and USD 9,108 for graduates.