It is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at California State University-Chico.
On this page you will find:
This school offers students separate housing and dining options. The on-campus housing charge for an average student was $8,696 in 2026, and a standard meal plan cost $5,352. All told, the average on-campus student at California State University-Chico can expect to spend about $23,510 in 2026 once room, board, books and other living expenses are included.
The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for California State University-Chico.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $19,520 | $16,520 |
| — Housing | $8,696 | |
| — Meals | $5,352 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $2,894 | $4,668 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,096 | $1,096 |
| Total | $23,510 | $22,284 |
The price of living on campus is rarely the same in your senior year as it was your first. Estimating the trend now makes for a more accurate four-year budget.
The projected four-year total comes to about $103,816 by the time you graduate.
See how housing and dining costs have changed over recent years and where they are trending at California State University-Chico.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $17,074 |
| Two Years Ago | $17,546 |
| One Year Ago | $18,914 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $19,520 |
| One Year From Now * | $20,452 |
| Two Years From Now * | $21,428 |
| Three Years From Now * | $22,452 |
| Four Years From Now * | $23,524 |
* estimated
Year over year, room and board rose an average of 4.8% a year over the last three years. Carrying that rate forward one year puts on-campus living costs near $24,442 in housing, food and other costs their first year.
Projected forward, the last year of a four-year degree runs about $27,514 for a bachelor’s degree, while a two-year (associate) student would pay around $25,418 in their second and final year.
Across all four years, on-campus living costs would total approximately $103,816 for a bachelor’s, while two years would run about $49,860 for two years on campus.
Expect modest annual increases in room and board, and factor that growth into your long-term budget.
For details on living on campus, including capacity, see the table below.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 1,764 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |