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California State University-Chico and California State University-San Marcos are both public institutions — California State University-Chico in Chico, CA and California State University-San Marcos in San Marcos, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Chico, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 92.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 13,631
Tuition: $21,072/year
Student-faculty ratio: 23.0:1
Graduation rate: 62.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Chico, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
San Marcos, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 95.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 14,877
Tuition: $20,682/year
Student-faculty ratio: 24.0:1
Graduation rate: 54.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Marcos, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | California State University-Chico | California State University-San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 92.7% | 95.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,631 | 14,877 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,072/year | $20,682/year |
| Average net price after aid | $14,480 | $10,229 |
| Graduation rate | 62.8% | 54.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $64,172 | $62,908 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 23.0:1 | 24.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Chico, CA | San Marcos, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Health professions |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (92.7% vs 95.1%). California State University-San Marcos has a lower average net price after grant aid ($10,229 vs $14,480). California State University-Chico reports the higher graduation rate (62.8% vs 54.6%). California State University-San Marcos is the larger undergraduate campus (14,877 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between California State University-Chico and California State University-San Marcos
California State University-Chico has an acceptance rate of 92.7%; California State University-San Marcos is around 95.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California State University-Chico tuition is $21,072/year. California State University-San Marcos is $20,682/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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