CSU, Chico offers high-quality academic programs in an affordable, safe, and historic university town in Northern California. Founded in 1887, it is one of California’s oldest universities and one of the original campuses of the 23-member California State University system, the largest and most diverse four-year university system in the United States.

Rankings

• Top-10 US Public University in the West (over 20 years) – US News and World Report
• Top 7% of Best Colleges in America – Money Magazine
• #5 in Lowest Student Loan Debt – Lendedu.com
• America’s Best Value Colleges – Forbes Magazine
• Best Business Schools for MBA – Princeton Review
• Best College Towns in the US – USA Today

Why Choose Chico?

Quality Academic Programs

• Over 200 different bachelor's and master's degree options across seven colleges.
• A leader in applied STEM education - over 30 STEM-designated bachelors and master’s degrees, including Applied Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Business Information Systems, Chemistry, Physics, Nutrition, Animal Science, Biology, Environmental Sciences & Geosciences, and many more. 
• Dedicated professors who offer a personal touch that really makes students feel at home.
• Award-winning faculty work side by side with students on projects like researching innovative cancer treatments, designing robotics, developing sustainable farming practices, and identifying solutions to homelessness.

Active Student Life

• Chico State is one of the few residential campuses in the CSU system. No commute necessary!
• Student-focused campus and community.
• 200+ clubs and activity groups.
• 13 NCAA Division II men's and women's sports teams.
• Recreational sports teams and organized outdoor trips.
• Competitions in debate, sales, cybersecurity, Model United Nations, and more.
• Chico is home to one of the largest city parks in the US – larger than Central Park in New York City!

Excellent Career Outlook

• Career Center that supports students and alumni for life.
• Project-based, hands-on research and classroom activities prepare students for careers.
• Several programs with 100% job placement - Construction Management, Management Information Systems, Concrete Industry Management, etc.
• Programs with required internships.

Low Cost

• Scholarships available for international students.
• The cost of off-campus housing is less than 50% of coastal California cities, including the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.
• Tuition cost is below US public university average

Top ranked public university for educational quality, value, and alumni success.

Accreditations

• WASC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges 
• AACSB: All Business Administration programs for 50+ years 
• ABET: All Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate programs
• Multiple programs hold the top accredidation in their field

We cannot wait to welcome you to California State University, Chico – California’s classic university town!