In 2012, Chico State was designated, for the fifth time in six years, a member of the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, highlighting civic engagement activities. More Best of Chico State
Location
Planning & Goals
College Portrait
- To view more information on the Chico State Community, the Chico State Experience, and the characteristics of the University check out our College Portrait.
Contact Information
Quick Facts
- Chico State was founded in 1887, making it the second oldest CSU campus in the state.
- 53% of Chico students are female; 47% male.
- Read more quick facts
Largest Majors
Rankings
- Chico State ranked fifth among master’s level public universities in the western United States in the 2013 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” from U.S. News & World Report.
- For the fourth consecutive year, the Princeton Review included Chico State in its listing of “Best Business Schools” in 2011.
- State was named to The Princeton Review’s 2013 "Green Honor Roll," receiving the highest possible score.
History
In 1887 the California Legislature approved the creation of the Northern Branch of the State Normal School for the purpose of training and educating teachers. After much debate over which city would be selected for the new school site, Chico was chosen and construction began on the Chico Normal School, which opened its doors to 90 students in 1889. Throughout the years, the college grew and its name changed to reflect that growth—from Chico Normal School to Chico State Teachers College to Chico State College. In 1972, we became known as California State University, Chico. The University, commonly called "Chico State," now offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and options. Learn more about our history and traditions.
The main campus is situated on 119 acres in downtown Chico, but Chico State also owns a 1,050–acre farm and five acres of off-campus dorms about one mile from the main campus. The University also manages 3,950–acre Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and the 300–acre Butte Creek Ecological Reserve.
Visitor Center
The best way to learn about Chico State is to visit campus! Whether you have a few minutes or a few days, please enjoy your time on campus and experience all that Chico State has to offer.
