CSU vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Chico is larger than Westfield State University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 4,588 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

CSU vs. Westfield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Westfield 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 California State University Chico than Westfield State University ($14,630 vs. $17,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westfield State University are 15% lower than at California State University Chico ($14,018 vs. $16,500).
• Westfield State University is 43.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $3,707 more per year; $12,179.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at CSU than at Westfield State University (about $2,813 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Westfield State University than at California State University Chico (91% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Chico students is 27.1% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($11,509 vs. $9,054).

CSU vs. Westfield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westfield State University (1090) is 20 points higher than at CSU (1070).
• Incoming CSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Westfield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Westfield State University 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Westfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Westfield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026; Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Westfield State University (3.3).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Westfield State University (81.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

CSU vs. Westfield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Westfield 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 Westfield State University's (58%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Westfield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $5,750 lower median loan debt than Westfield State University graduates ($17,000 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westfield State University graduates ($175 vs. $235).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 70%)

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.