CSU vs. Pathways College

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Chico is larger than Pathways College based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Pathways College is in Phoenix, California (Midsize City setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pathways College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Pathways College 7:1.

CSU vs. Pathways College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Pathways College? 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 California State University Chico are 30.4% lower than at Pathways College ($16,500 vs. $23,712).
• California State University Chico is 37.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pathways College (about $2,292 more per year; $8,472.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 241% higher at CSU than at Pathways College (about $14,892 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Chico than at Pathways College (66% vs. 0%).

CSU vs. Pathways College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Pathways College? 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 Pathways College 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; Pathways College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.

CSU vs. Pathways College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Pathways College? 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).

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.