CSU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at CSU is 95%.  Its admission rate is the 97th lowest in California.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into CSU and can you get accepted?

California State University Chico is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 20,347 out of the 21,417 who applied were admitted.

California State University Chico typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.37. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 10% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into CSU?

95% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to California State University Chico you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.37 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1070 on the SAT
• Score 21 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into California State University Chico?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into CSU are to have around a 3.37 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.37 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as CSU accepts 95% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at CSU is 3.37 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #63 in California for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since CSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by California State University Chico. The school has a test blind policy.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to California State University Chico?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at CSU is 1070 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 970-1170. Students who get into California State University Chico score in the top 66 percent of all SAT test takers..  CSU ranks #53 in the state of California for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1070 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. CSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 970 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 970, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 870, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

California State University Chico is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1070 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1070, you have around a 95% chance of being admitted. A 1170 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 97% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into CSU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to CSU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24.  The school ranks #45 in California for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 15.

36 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to California State University Chico.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as California State University Chico is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into CSU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 95% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 97% with a 24 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

76% of California State University Chico freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 35% are in the top ten percent.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to California State University Chico is $70.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to California State University Chico and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because California State University Chico is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.37 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1070 and ACT of 21 will almost guarantee your admission.