CSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

CSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than CSU ($11,546 vs. $14,630).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 25.2% lower than at California State University Chico ($12,340 vs. $16,500).
• Saginaw Valley State University is 52.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $4,458 more per year; $12,930.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.5% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at California State University Chico (about $9,378 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at California State University Chico (98% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 17.4% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($13,512 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is 20 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at CSU (3.37).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

CSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($17,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($175 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 48%)

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.