CSU vs. Fresno Pacific University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than Fresno Pacific University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 2,879 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Fresno Pacific University is in Fresno, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fresno Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Fresno Pacific University 10:1.

CSU vs. Fresno Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Fresno Pacific University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Chico than Fresno Pacific University ($14,630 vs. $15,261).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 38.1% lower than at California State University Chico ($10,210 vs. $16,500).
• Fresno Pacific University is 332.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $28,188 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74% higher at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Chico (about $15,588 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Chico (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fresno Pacific University students is 157.3% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($29,616 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. Fresno Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Fresno Pacific University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fresno Pacific University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fresno Pacific University (1110) is 40 points higher than at CSU (1070).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Fresno Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Fresno Pacific University 970/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Fresno Pacific University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Fresno Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026; Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fresno Pacific University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at CSU (3.37).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Fresno Pacific University (64.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University.

CSU vs. Fresno Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Fresno Pacific University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Fresno Pacific University's (50%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Fresno Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($17,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($175 vs. $222).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.