CSU vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

CSU vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron ($14,630 vs. $14,693).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 27.9% lower than at California State University Chico ($11,904 vs. $16,500).
• University of Akron Main Campus is 55% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $4,663 more per year; $13,135.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at CSU than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $257 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at California State University Chico (95% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 0.4% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($11,551 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and CSU.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is 20 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at University of Akron (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026; University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at CSU (3.37).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

CSU vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($17,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($175 vs. $263).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 45%)

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.