CSU vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Chico is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Simpson University 17:1.

CSU vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Simpson 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 Simpson University ($14,630 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 27.9% lower than at California State University Chico ($11,900 vs. $16,500).
• Simpson University is 368.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $31,236 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.4% higher at Simpson University than at California State University Chico (about $18,636 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at California State University Chico (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 125.4% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($25,937 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is the same as at Simpson University (1070).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Simpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Simpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at CSU (3.37).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Simpson University (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

CSU vs. Simpson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Simpson 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 Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $332 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($16,668 vs. $17,000).
• Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($172 vs. $175).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 67%)

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.