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A student participates in commencement and decorated their cap to read "Today Decides Tomorrow".

Apply to Chico State

Your journey to becoming a Wildcat starts with an application.

Start Your Application

Take the next step toward your future by applying to Chico State. You’ll complete your application online through Cal State Apply. Get started today!

  • Student holds up a Chico State pennant flag while sitting on the University's name sign

    First-Time

    If you’re a high school student or high school grad without college coursework beyond the summer after graduation, start here.

  • Student sitting in the grass on campus using their laptop.

    Transfer

    If you’ve studied at another college or university and are ready to become a Wildcat, use this link.

  • Student smiling while typing on a laptop.

    Graduate

    Apply to one of our master’s degree programs here. Second bachelor’s applicants use this app, too.

  • Three students laughing while sitting around a table with flags on it.

    International

    From another country? You’re not alone: Join students from 52 different nations at Chico State.

  • Two science students stand holding a model

    Teaching Credential

    Earn a credential to teach kindergarten, elementary school, high school, or special education.

  • Student smiling while sitting in front of Plumas Hall.

    Returning Students

    Welcome back! If you’ve studied at Chico State before, you can apply for re-admission.

How to Apply

Learn about the steps to apply and requirements for your student type:

Deadlines to Apply

Undergraduate

US Students

  • Fall application (August start): October 1–December 15
  • Spring application (January start): August 1–September 30

International Students

  • Fall application (August start): October 1–May 1
  • Spring application (January start): August 1–September 30

Graduate

US and International Students

  • Fall application (August start) opens: October 1
  • Spring application (January start) opens: August 1

Graduate application deadlines vary by program.

Paving the Way for You

College may feel just beyond your reach. Because nobody else in your family has gone. Because you wonder if it’s affordable. Because you just can’t see yourself here. But we can. These are a few of the programs that can help make a Chico State education possible.

  • Teacher educating a young student in front of a classroom whiteboard with a Chico State pennant in the background.

    California Promise Program

    Low-income and first-generation students entering certain programs receive special advising, priority registration, and guaranteed graduation in four years or less.

  • Chico State graduates smiling and hugging on graduation day.

    Educational Opportunity Program

    College is easier with a team on your side. Low-income and first-generation students in EOP have access to tutors, peer and professional counseling, additional advising, and more.

  • Two students working in the Chico State Meriam Library.

    Western Undergraduate Exchange

    Non-residents can enroll at Chico State with reduced out-of-state tuition through the WUE scholarship program. Open to students from the western United States and several US territories. 

  • Student smiling while standing in front of flags.

    Chico State VETS Office

    Maximize the benefits you’ve earned by serving our country. Turn to the Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) office for assistance.

Application Tips

First-time undergraduates and transfer students must meet GPA and course requirements. No SAT or ACT test scores are required.

International students should review the international admissions qualifications for specific requirements, including the English proficiency requirement. 

Graduate students must meet the University requirements as well as any additional requirements by the specific program. 

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. International students (F or J visa) are considered out-of-state students.

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.

The Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center has handy documentation and how-to's, troubleshooting information, and more.

Review the Quick Start FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions.

If you still need support, you’ll find the fastest support through the chat feature while logged into the application. You can also contact customer service (response times can be up to three business days).

Email: CalStateApply@liaisoncas.com 
Phone: 857-304-2087
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–5 p.m.

Have your CAS ID# (application ID number) when contacting customer service. It can be found in the upper-right corner of your application.

Applicants with Disabilities

If you require assistance in completing your application, email support@calstateapply.myliaison.com and let us know how we can best help you. Additionally, indicate if you permit us to communicate with your parent, guardian, or another third party regarding your application. Once we receive your request, we’ll work with you to schedule time to help you complete your application.

  • Submit an application changes form or call the Admissions Office to notify us of changes to your application.
  • Changes include:
    • D or F grades
    • address changes, email, or phone number changes
    • changes to your major

We review and admit applicants on a rolling basis, so you can receive an update as soon as two weeks after submitting your application—expect longer wait times during the busiest periods. Your Chico State Portal is the first place to see your decision. You will also receive notice via email and mail (domestic undergraduates).

(Having trouble with your Chico State Portal access? Portal Overview.)

We may request additional information in order to make a decision. Please check your email regularly to make sure you don't miss a request.

See this FAQ for a list of common questions and concerns people have when completing their Cal State applications.

Any Chico State student or applicant for admission to Chico State has the right to be free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. If you feel you have been subjected to the aforementioned, consult CSU Nondiscrimination Policy or contact the Equal Opportunity and Dispute Resolution at 530-898-4949.

Chico State's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act-defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at the University Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Here to Help

If you have questions about completing your application—or anything at all—let us know. You can speak to a live admissions expert on the phone or using chat during our open hours. No automated voice messages—we promise!

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Student Services Center 130
Phone: 800-542-4426
Email: info@csuchico.edu