California State University, Chico: Programs, Rankings, Campus Life & Admissions Guide

California State University, Chico, founded in 1887, is the second-oldest institution in the California State University system and is known for its strong academics, vibrant student life, and commitment to student success. Located in a scenic college town with a low cost of living, Chico State offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in business, computer science, engineering, and psychology.

Its 132-acre arboretum-designated campus, expansive University Farm, and ecological reserve provide unique hands-on learning opportunities. With a student population of over 16,000, a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and significant financial aid availability, the university ranks highly for value, social mobility, and veteran support. Chico State also boasts a rich athletics tradition in NCAA Division II and offers a wide variety of clubs, intramural sports, and community engagement opportunities, all contributing to a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience.

California State University, Chico: A Comprehensive Overview

California State University, Chico (Chico State) stands as a prominent public university in Northern California, renowned for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to student success. Founded in 1887, it is the second-oldest campus in the extensive 23-campus California State University (CSU) system.

History and Foundation

Chico State’s roots trace back to the establishment of the Northern Branch State Normal School in 1887, made possible by a generous donation of eight acres of cherry orchard by John Bidwell. Over the decades, the institution evolved through various names—Chico State Teachers College, Chico State College—before officially becoming California State University, Chico. The university acknowledges and honors the Mechoopda people, who are indigenous to the area, recognizing their historical and ongoing connection to the land upon which the campus is built.

Campus and Facilities

The university boasts a sprawling and diverse learning environment:

• Main Campus: A 132-acre main campus, designated as an arboretum, with Big Chico Creek flowing through it.
• University Farm: An 800-acre University Farm provides hands-on agricultural experiences.
• Ecological Reserve: Over 7,800 acres of diverse canyon and ridge habitats at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve are incorporated into the curriculum for unique outdoor learning.
• Additional Facilities: The campus offers art galleries and museums, modern laboratories, performing arts venues, a 1-million-volume library, and extensive athletics facilities.

Chico is also recognized as a “college town,” offering a low cost of living compared to other California regions and easy access to outdoor activities, including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park. Most students can walk or bike to campus, and free municipal bus service is available.

Academics and Rankings

Chico State is a comprehensive university offering a wide array of academic programs. It provides over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various colleges. Some of its well-regarded programs include business administration, management information systems, psychology, computer science, engineering, mechatronics, education, and public administration. The Computer Science program was among the first in the CSU system to receive accreditation.

The university consistently receives high rankings:

• U.S. News & World Report 2025:
  • #20 overall in Regional Universities (West)
  • #11 among public schools in the Regional Universities (West) category
  • #8 for Best Value
  • #23 for Social Mobility
  • #14 Best College for Veterans
  • #62 in Best Undergraduate Engineering—Non-Doctorate
  • #281 in Best Undergraduate Computer Science
  • #21 in Best Undergraduate Nursing
  • #293 in Best Undergraduate Psychology
• Washington Monthly 2024:
  • #6 in Master’s University Rankings (top 1 percent for the third year in a row)
• Forbes 2024:
  • #3 Best California Colleges Online

Notable majors include Business, Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, Communications, Computer Science, and Education. The university offers 46 master’s program options.

Student Life and Enrollment

While specific enrollment data for 2024-2025 is not yet fully released, Chico State generally has a campus enrollment of over 16,000 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 25 to 1, with an average class size of 31.

Student life at Chico State is vibrant and encourages active engagement. The university offers:

• Numerous clubs and organizations
• Outdoor adventures
• Community involvement opportunities
• Robust sports and recreation options, including an Aquatic Center
• A strong global community presence

Approximately 86% of freshmen live in school housing, and 13% of all students reside on campus.

Cost and Financial Aid

Chico State aims to make education affordable. The average grant or scholarship aid awarded to students is approximately $10,331 annually, with 72% of students receiving financial aid. The university is ranked in the top 8% for return on investment among 2,000 US colleges.

Financial aid opportunities include:

• Wildcat Scholarships: Hundreds of need- and merit-based scholarships.
• Grants: Awards that do not require repayment.
• Federal Work-Study: Jobs for students demonstrating financial need.
• Loans: Low-interest federal student loans and other options.
• Middle Class Scholarship: Available to eligible California residents.

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Athletics

The Chico State Wildcats compete in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports as an associate member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) for all 13 varsity sports. The school colors are Cardinal and White, and the mascot is the Wildcat.

Since 1998, the Wildcats have achieved significant success:

• 99 NCAA Championship berths
• 40 CCAA titles
• 24 West Region titles
• 15 National titles

Men’s varsity sports include Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, and Track and Field. Women’s varsity sports include Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, and Volleyball. The Wildcats have a rich history of individual and team championships, particularly in men’s swimming and diving and baseball. The softball team won the first AIAW Division III national championship in 1980.

Beyond varsity sports, Chico State offers a wide range of intramural and club sports, including popular options like baseball, bass fishing, cheer, cycling, dance, golf, lacrosse, rugby, and soccer.

California State University, Chico continues to be a highly regarded institution, preparing students for successful careers and engaged citizenship within a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

FAQs about California State University, Chico

What is California State University, Chico known for?
Chico State is known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, hands-on learning environments, and commitment to student success. It is especially recognized for its programs in business, computer science, engineering, psychology, and education.

When was Chico State founded?
Chico State was founded in 1887 and is the second-oldest campus in the California State University system.

Where is Chico State located?
It is located in Chico, a college town in Northern California known for its scenic beauty and affordable living.

What is the size of the Chico State campus?
The main campus is 132 acres and is designated as an arboretum. Additional facilities include an 800-acre University Farm and a 7,800-acre ecological reserve.

How many students attend Chico State?
Approximately 16,000 students are enrolled at Chico State.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Chico State?
The student-to-faculty ratio is about 25 to 1.

What is the average class size at Chico State?
The average class size is 31 students.

What academic programs is Chico State best known for?
Chico State is particularly known for business administration, computer science, engineering, management information systems, psychology, and education.

Is Chico State accredited?
Yes, Chico State is fully accredited, and several of its individual programs, such as Computer Science and Engineering, hold specialized accreditations.

How does Chico State rank nationally and regionally?
Chico State ranks #20 in Regional Universities (West), #8 for Best Value, and #6 in Washington Monthly’s Master’s University Rankings, among others.

Does Chico State offer graduate programs?
Yes, it offers over 46 master’s degree programs across various fields.

What financial aid options are available at Chico State?
Students can access grants, scholarships, work-study programs, loans, and the Middle Class Scholarship. About 72% of students receive financial aid.

How much financial aid do Chico State students typically receive?
The average annual grant or scholarship aid is around $10,331.

Is Chico State affordable?
Yes, Chico State is considered affordable, with a low cost of living in the area and a high return on investment.

What housing options are available at Chico State?
About 86% of freshmen live in school housing, and 13% of all students live on campus. Various dormitory and apartment options are available.

What is student life like at Chico State?
Student life is vibrant, with numerous clubs, outdoor activities, community involvement opportunities, and a strong global community.

What transportation options are available on and around campus?
Most students walk or bike to campus. Free municipal bus service is also available to students.

Does Chico State support sustainability and environmental education?
Yes, Chico State is known for its sustainability efforts, including the use of its ecological reserve for education and research.

What athletic programs does Chico State offer?
Chico State competes in NCAA Division II with 13 varsity sports and a strong tradition in baseball, softball, and track and field.

What intramural and club sports are available at Chico State?
Options include rugby, lacrosse, cycling, dance, cheer, bass fishing, and more.

What are the school colors and mascot?
The school colors are Cardinal and White, and the mascot is the Wildcat.

Does Chico State have study abroad opportunities?
Yes, Chico State has an active global education program with multiple study abroad and exchange opportunities.

Is Chico considered a safe college town?
Yes, Chico is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming college town with a strong sense of community.

What is Bidwell Park and why is it important to students?
Bidwell Park is a 3,670-acre municipal park near campus that offers outdoor recreation and is a major draw for students.

How can students apply for financial aid at Chico State?
Students should complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to be considered for aid.

Are there scholarships available specifically through Chico State?
Yes, the university offers hundreds of need- and merit-based scholarships known as Wildcat Scholarships.

What is the return on investment for a Chico State degree?
Chico State ranks in the top 8% nationally for return on investment among U.S. colleges.

Are there opportunities for hands-on learning at Chico State?
Yes, through the University Farm, ecological reserve, internships, labs, and field-based learning, students gain real-world experience.

Does Chico State offer online degree programs?
Yes, Chico State offers several fully online degree programs and is ranked highly among California colleges for online education.

How do I apply to Chico State?
You can apply through Cal State Apply, the centralized application system for all CSU campuses.

What are the admissions requirements for Chico State?
Admissions are based on high school GPA, college preparatory courses, and other CSU eligibility criteria. Standardized tests are not currently required for CSU admissions.