CSU vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than SFASU based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 10,472 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

CSU vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or SFASU? 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 SFASU ($14,630 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephen F Austin State University are 20.3% lower than at California State University Chico ($13,144 vs. $16,500).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 31.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $2,656 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at SFASU than at California State University Chico (about $2,354 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephen F Austin State University than at California State University Chico (83% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Chico students is 7.6% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($11,509 vs. $10,694).

CSU vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or SFASU? 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 SFASU and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is the same as at SFASU (1070).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at SFASU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; SFASU - 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 SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than CSU (92.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

CSU vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and SFASU? 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 Stephen F Austin State University's (44%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than SFASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($17,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($175 vs. $258).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 52%)

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.