College Costs in Chico, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Chico, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,140
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Chico Overview
Population
101,475
Student Population
6,472 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
112.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Chico
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,860
Total After Financial Aid
$117,860
Annual Cost
$29,465
Annual After Aid
$29,465
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,860 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,338 |
| Total Interest | $42,733 |
| Total Loan Cost | $160,593 |
Universities in Chico
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Chico State University | Public | $15,472 |
| University of Chico | Public | $14,657 |
| Chico Community College | Community | $5,275 |
Chico has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chico vs. National Average
| Category | Chico | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,140 | $1,050 | +$90 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112.3 | 100 | +12.299999999999997 |
Chico's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Chico
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,472 students
Chico has a total population of 101,475, with approximately 6,472 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Chico offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chico
$23,695
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chico earn a median starting salary of $23,695, which is -$11,305 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,860 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,350 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
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69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
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68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
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95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
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18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
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19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
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27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
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20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
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