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California State University, Chico
A prospective student poses with mascot Willie the Wildcat at an event

How to Apply: First-Time in College

Dare to take the next step in your educational journey by joining the Wildcat Family.

Chico State’s undergraduate application is open for starting classes in the fall (August) and spring (January) through Cal State Apply, the application for all CSU campuses.

Application Open Dates

Fall Semester Start: October 1–December 15
Spring Semester Start: August 1–September 30

Request to apply late for spring 2025 from October 1-November 15 
For undergraduate domestic students without international coursework

Get Started

  1. Review Admissions Criteria
    Admissions requirements for first time in college students include high school coursework and GPA. No essay, SAT, or ACT required for admission, but if you take the SAT or ACT, your scores will help us determine your math and English readiness.
     
  2. Prepare Your Application Materials
    Explore Chico State majors ahead of time or apply undeclared. Gather your unofficial transcripts and household income information to make filling out the application simple.

  3. Submit Your Application
    Apply online through Cal State Apply. Visit the Help Center for application tips, troubleshooting, and more.

  4. Pay Your Fee
    There is a $70 application fee unless you qualify for an application fee waiver. The application will notify you automatically if you qualify for a fee waiver when you’re ready to submit.

  5. Keep in Touch
    Make sure you add info@csuchico.edu to your contact list. Email is our primary form of communication throughout the admission process. You will be contacted if we need any additional supporting documents such as transcripts or residency information.

Musical Theatre BFA Applicants

Audition materials are expected to be submitted through GetAcceptd within two weeks of submitting your Cal State Apply application. More information is available through the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department. 

Application Processing

We review and admit applicants on a rolling basis, so check your personal email and mailbox regularly for a decision from us.

  • Check Your Status
    After applying, log in to your Portal and navigate to the Student Center to check your admission status. You will also be notified of admissions decisions by email. Admitted students receive a letter in the mail.

  • Submit Additional Documents (if requested)
    If your application information is complete, we may have sufficient information to determine your eligibility for admission. If, after reviewing your application, we still need additional information such as transcripts, we will notify you by email with instructions. Please do not send your high school transcript prior to being admitted unless we request it.
  • Accept Admissions Offer
    Once you have been offered admission, commit to Chico State by accepting your admissions offer in the Student Center.

  • Send Final Documents
    If you have test scores from the SAT, ACT, AP, or others, send them as soon as they are available. Send high school transcripts as soon as your graduation date and all grades are posted. We need these no later than July 15 (fall start) or October 16 (spring start).

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you begin your application, have the following items on hand:

  • Unofficial transcripts, including college coursework in progress during high school if that applies to you. You'll be asked to enter all courses you've completed, are currently taking, and plan to take. Enter your grades as they appear on your transcript using your school grading scale.
  • Your citizenship status.
  • Credit card. Application fees are due at the time of submission and are paid by credit card.
  • Annual income. If you are a dependent, then report your household income. If you are independent, then report your income.
  • Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) applicants only: Your parents' employment background and two recommendations. 

Admission decisions are initially based on self-reported data from your application, so in most cases we do not need your transcripts until after you are admitted. In some cases, the self-reported data from the application is incomplete or unclear, and upon discovery of this we’ll request official transcripts from you through email.  

If requested, send official transcripts from your previous institutions to:  

Mailed Transcripts
Office of Admissions  
400 W First St 
Chico, CA 95929-0722 

Electronic Transcripts 
Office of Admissions  
info@csuchico.edu  

First-time in college students are not required to choose a major before coming to Chico State. We encourage you to explore our majors and select your choice on the application, but you may also select “Undeclared.” If you know what you want to major in, choosing a major on the application can help us send you the right information and connect you to specific resources (advising, special events, etc.) before you arrive at Chico State.

The determination of residency for tuition purposes affects whether a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition fees and is guided by California state law. Out-of-state tuition fees are higher than in-state tuition fees.

Visit the California State University Residency website to review CSU residency requirements, important residence determination dates, and exceptions and exemptions, along with important residency forms and information regarding the appeal process.

DACA, undocumented, or AB540 students:

  1. In your Cal State Apply Extended Profile, select "No" when it asks if you require an F1 or J1 visa.
  2. Select "California" as the state of residence if you consider California to be your permanent home.
  3. In the Citizenship/Residency Information section of the application, select "None" for your US citizenship.

Be aware that missing or inaccurate information can result in you being considered a non-California resident for CSU tuition purposes.

Every applicant is entitled to one appeal per academic term. When your application review results in denial you have the opportunity to share new information that might affect our admissions decision.

Submit an Admissions Appeal Coversheet (PDF) and the other required documentation via email within 15 business days of receiving your denial notification email to receive an additional consideration of your application.

Contact Undergraduate Admissions 

We’re here to help! Call us Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., to talk directly to an admissions expert. Or use live chat during our open hours. No automated voice messages—we promise! 

Phone: 530-898-6322
Email: info@csuchico.edu

Other Contact Info