CSU vs. Golden Gate University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Golden Gate University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Golden Gate University 7:1.

CSU vs. Golden Gate University Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 20% lower than at California State University Chico ($13,200 vs. $16,500).
• Golden Gate University is 265.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $22,516 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.1% higher at Golden Gate University than at California State University Chico (about $9,916 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Chico than at Golden Gate University (66% vs. 0%).

CSU vs. Golden Gate University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate University and CSU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Golden Gate University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.

CSU vs. Golden Gate University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Golden Gate 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).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $24,000 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $52,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $12,839 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($17,000 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $133 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($175 vs. $308).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 57%)

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.