Chico State vs California State University-San Bernardino (CSUSB)

California State University-Chico and California State University-San Bernardino, both esteemed institutions within the CSU system, offer unique educational experiences to prospective students. CSU-Chico boasts a higher acceptance rate, allowing more students the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations. In contrast, CSU-San Bernardino maintains a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating its commitment to student success. While CSU-Chico excels in fields like Business, Communication, and Psychology, CSU-San Bernardino shines in areas such as Engineering, Nursing, and Public Administration. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and preferences.

	California State University-Chico	California State University-San Bernardino
Overview
Location	Chico, California	San Bernardino, California
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	78.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.5%	91.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	19,990	13,057
Total number of admissions given out	17,086	11,878
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,929	2,001
Yield rate	11.3%	16.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,984 Out of state: $35,864	In state: $28,409 Out of state: $40,289
Average net price	$13,749	$3,254
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,609 Meal plan: $3,881	Room/dormitory: $7,644 Meal plan: $3,000
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $8,691	87.0% Average amount $10,157
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $4,637	12.0% Average amount $4,553
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $11,369	1.0% Average amount $8,949

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,462 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%	16,858 Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
Graduate students	1,240 Men 33.6% Women 66.4%	2,656 Men 32.9% Women 67.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	1.3%	0.6%
International students	2.9%	5.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,323	1,482
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Oregon Washington Arizona Colorado	California Arizona Hawaii Minnesota

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Engineering Technologies	Public Administration and Social Service Liberal Arts Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Education
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	25:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	65.4%	57.0%
Dropout rate	27.4%	36.1%
Transferred out	4.8%	1.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $94,107 Year 2: $95,797 Year 3: $96,478 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,190 Year 2: $83,091 Year 3: $93,961 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,808 Year 2: $74,241 Year 3: $91,563 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,244 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $79,499 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,761 Year 2: $69,617 Year 3: $79,308 Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,803 Year 2: $66,355 Year 3: $76,389 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,879 Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $74,258 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,880 Year 2: $66,222 Year 3: $74,116 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,298 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $69,321 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,812 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $68,680	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,025 Year 2: $88,739 Year 3: $91,007 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,100 Year 2: $86,356 Year 3: $89,781 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,052 Year 2: $72,214 Year 3: $79,205 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,968 Year 2: $65,066 Year 3: $71,975 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,962 Year 2: $64,358 Year 3: $68,388 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,267 Year 2: $58,221 Year 3: $66,764 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,496 Year 2: $52,524 Year 3: $66,429 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,356 Year 2: $56,867 Year 3: $64,336 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,681 Year 2: $58,503 Year 3: $63,478 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,337 Year 2: $46,966 Year 3: $58,366

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between CSU Chico and CSU San Bernardino?

CSU Chico is located in a more rural setting in Northern California, offering a classic college town experience with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and a close-knit community. CSU San Bernardino, on the other hand, is situated in Southern California, providing access to a larger metropolitan area with diverse cultural opportunities and a more commuter-focused campus environment. The climate in Chico is generally more temperate, while San Bernardino experiences hotter summers.
How do the academic programs compare at CSU Chico and CSU San Bernardino?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. CSU Chico is particularly well-regarded for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. CSU San Bernardino has strong programs in business administration, public administration, and criminal justice. The specific program strengths and faculty expertise may vary, so it's important to research the departments within your field of interest at each university.
What is the cost of attendance like at CSU Chico versus CSU San Bernardino?

The tuition and fees are generally similar between the two universities, as they are both part of the California State University system. However, the overall cost of attendance, including living expenses, can vary. Chico, with its more affordable cost of living, might be slightly less expensive than San Bernardino, especially if you plan to live off-campus. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses.
How would you describe the student life and campus culture at CSU Chico and CSU San Bernardino?

CSU Chico is known for its vibrant campus life, with a strong emphasis on student organizations, Greek life, and a lively social scene. The campus culture is often described as friendly and welcoming. CSU San Bernardino offers a more diverse student body and a commuter-friendly environment. Student life is active, with various clubs, organizations, and events, but the social scene may be less centralized compared to Chico due to the commuter nature of the campus.
What are the opportunities for research and internships at each university?

Both universities provide opportunities for research and internships. CSU Chico has strong connections with local businesses and organizations, offering internship opportunities in various fields. CSU San Bernardino, being located in a larger metropolitan area, has access to a wider range of internship opportunities with businesses and government agencies in Southern California. Research opportunities are available at both institutions, and it's advisable to explore the specific research interests of faculty within your chosen department.
How do the graduation rates and student support services compare?

Both universities offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring. Graduation rates can vary depending on the specific program and student demographics. It's recommended to review the most recent graduation rate data available on each university's website and to consider the support services offered to ensure they align with your individual needs.
Which university is better for students interested in outdoor activities?

CSU Chico is generally considered a better choice for students who enjoy outdoor activities. Its location in Northern California provides easy access to hiking, camping, skiing, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. While CSU San Bernardino is not far from outdoor areas, the proximity to these activities is not as convenient as it is at Chico.
How does the diversity of the student body compare between the two universities?

CSU San Bernardino generally has a more diverse student body compared to CSU Chico. This is due to its location in Southern California, which is known for its diverse population. Both universities are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
What are the athletic programs like at CSU Chico and CSU San Bernardino?

Both universities participate in NCAA Division II athletics. CSU Chico has a strong athletic program with a history of success in various sports. CSU San Bernardino also offers competitive athletic programs, providing opportunities for students to participate in intercollegiate sports. The specific sports offered and the level of competition may vary, so it's best to check the official athletic websites for details.
How can I decide which university is the best fit for me?

Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, preferred location, and financial situation. Research the specific programs offered at each university, explore the campus culture through virtual tours or visits, and compare the available student support services. Think about what you value most in a college experience and choose the university that best aligns with your individual needs and goals.

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