CSU vs. Life Pacific University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Chico is larger than Life Pacific University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 621 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Life Pacific University is in San Dimas, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Life Pacific University 12:1.

CSU vs. Life Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Life 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 Life Pacific University ($14,630 vs. $21,602).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Life Pacific University are 26.1% lower than at California State University Chico ($12,190 vs. $16,500).
• Life Pacific University is 161.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $13,646 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Life Pacific University than at California State University Chico (about $1,046 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life Pacific University than at California State University Chico (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life Pacific University students is 19% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($13,696 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. Life Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Life 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 Life Pacific University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is 60 points higher than at Life Pacific University (1010).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Life Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Life Pacific University 930/1085.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Life Pacific University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Life Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026; Life Pacific University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Life Pacific University (2.91).
• Life Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (95.8%) than CSU (92.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 33.8% at Life Pacific University.

CSU vs. Life Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Life 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 Life Pacific University's (33%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $20,400 more per year than Life Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $3,530 lower median loan debt than Life Pacific University graduates ($17,000 vs. $20,530).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Life Pacific University graduates ($175 vs. $212).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 54%)

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.