• TypeUniversities
• LocationChico, The United States
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California State University, Chico (Chico State) is a public regional comprehensive university in Chico, Northern California, founded in 1887 and the second-oldest campus of the California State University system. It has around 15,000 students, including more than 300 international students from 52 nations, and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Its 132-acre main campus is complemented by an 800-acre University Farm and the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.

Chico State offers more than 300 programmes of study in seven colleges, from agriculture and business to science and the arts, with strengths in agriculture and the environment, health care, education and engineering. Master's programmes include anthropology, business, education, history, English, data science and analytics, psychology and social work, on campus or online.

International students apply through Cal State Apply for fall or spring entry. Freshmen need a B (3.0) average and proof of English, such as IELTS 6.0; the SAT and ACT are not required. For 2026-27 the university estimates a full-time international undergraduate budget of US$37,426 for the academic year, including non-resident tuition, housing, meals and health insurance. Wildcat Scholarships are open to applications from January to mid-February, and campus housing offers more than 2,000 beds.

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400 W. First Street, Chico, CA, The United States, 95929

Chico State offers master's degrees and teaching credentials. Master's programmes cover anthropology, business (MBA and MS Business Analytics), education, history, English, data science and analytics, psychology, social work, computer science, natural sciences and more, in person or online. Teaching credentials (single-subject, multiple-subject and others) are earned through the School of Education. International master's applicants need a bachelor's degree equivalent to a US four-year degree, a 2.5 GPA and, for example, IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80.

Applicants who need an F or J visa apply as international students through Cal State Apply. Freshman requirements:

• A B (3.0) average on the US 4-point scale from a college-preparatory high school programme
• University-preparatory mathematics (beginning algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra) with passing grades
• Proof of English proficiency
• No SAT or ACT scores required

Overseas transfer students need a minimum 2.40 GPA in college coursework. Application periods: 1 August to 1 May for fall (August) entry and 1 July to 30 September for spring (January) entry; master's programmes close earlier (1 April and 1 October). To receive an I-20, admitted students must show they can pay the estimated cost of the first academic year.

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied at least three years full-time in English must prove proficiency. Undergraduate minimum scores:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 61
• PTE Academic: 47
• Duolingo: 95
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 550 or ACT English 22

Graduate applicants need IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE 59 or Duolingo 110 (some programmes ask for more). Students from listed English-speaking countries are exempt, and partner English language schools offer a conditional admission route.

Estimated full-time budget for international students, 2026-27 academic year (nine months):

• Bachelor's: tuition and fees US$9,288 plus non-resident tuition US$11,304 (US$471 per unit, 12 units per semester); total with books, housing, meals, personal costs and health insurance US$37,426
• Master's: tuition and fees US$10,998 plus non-resident tuition US$8,478 (9 units per semester); total US$36,310
• MBA and MS Business Analytics: total US$42,088 (additional US$321 per unit)

New international students also pay a one-time fee of US$200. Fees may change by Board of Trustees action.

International students can receive Wildcat Scholarships, awards from the international office and other support, based on criteria such as academic achievement, financial need and community service. The Wildcat Scholarships application is open from January to mid-February each year, and most awards cover one academic year starting in the fall. Graduate students can also apply for research and conference funding and MBA scholarships.

Chico State has seven university-owned residence halls, including one apartment building, with more than 2,000 beds within walking distance of classes and downtown Chico. Options range from traditional dorms to apartment-style living, and themed communities include Honors and Lavender Living. All students can apply, but space is limited: priority applications run from 19 February to 19 April, followed by a placement lottery. On-campus residents must buy a meal plan.

https://www.csuchico.edu/admissions/international/index.shtml