CSU vs. San Diego Christian College

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Chico is larger than San Diego Christian College based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 96 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); San Diego Christian College is in Santee, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego Christian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; San Diego Christian College 9:1.

CSU vs. San Diego Christian College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or San Diego Christian College? 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 San Diego Christian College ($14,630 vs. $21,199).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at San Diego Christian College are 32.8% lower than at California State University Chico ($11,080 vs. $16,500).
• San Diego Christian College is 230.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $19,540 more per year; $28,012.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.9% higher at San Diego Christian College than at California State University Chico (about $6,940 more per year; $28,012.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Diego Christian College than at California State University Chico (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego Christian College students is 61.5% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($18,584 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. San Diego Christian College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or San Diego Christian 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 San Diego Christian College and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is 70 points higher than at San Diego Christian College (1000).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at San Diego Christian College (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; San Diego Christian College 900/1098.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; San Diego Christian College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; San Diego Christian College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at San Diego Christian College (3.26).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than San Diego Christian College (30.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 15.8% at San Diego Christian College.

CSU vs. San Diego Christian College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and San Diego Christian 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).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than San Diego Christian College's (31%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than San Diego Christian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $6,106 lower median loan debt than San Diego Christian College graduates ($17,000 vs. $23,106).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Diego Christian College graduates ($175 vs. $238).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego Christian College students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 47%)

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.