Why Choose Chico?
Academic Excellence
Chico State continues to rank nationally as a top University in a number of categories:
The 10 Most Popular Majors for International Students
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- International Relations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Psychology
Alumni and Career Success
Our faculty and career counselors work hard to ensure students are prepared and ready to find a job post-graduation.
Over 750 companies visit the CSU, Chico campus every year to recruit our students including Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Chevron, Ernst & Young, Intel Corp, Twitter, General Electric, and PayPal.
Several of our programs at CSU, Chico proudly claim 100% job placement rates: Accounting, Agricultural Science and Education, Business Information Systems, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Concrete Industry Management, School Psychology, and Sustainable Manufacturing.
Great Location in a Charming University Town
Our picturesque campus is conveniently located right next to downtown Chico — rated a "Top-10 Best College Town" by Matador Network in 2017— and boasts natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere, all within a short drive of San Francisco.
Students enjoying the farmer’s market in downtown Chico.
Hikers at Bidwell Park(opens in new window) during sunset.
Fall colors are seen from an aerial view of the Chico streets.
No Commute Necessary!
Chico State is one of the only residential campuses within the California State University (CSU) system. This means most of our students live on, or within walking or biking distance (2km), of campus.
Quality Education at an Affordable Price
There’s a reason Chico State is considered a great value college— our tuition fees are competitively priced and alumni have high placement rates and successful futures.
Chico’s cost of living is great too—housing rentals are 80% lower on average than those in San Francisco, California.
| Institution | Tuition + Fees |
|---|---|
| Private university | $51,225 |
| University of California | $45,530 |
| CSU, Chico | $17,318 |
Active Learning, Real-World Experience
A CSU, Chico education offers you classes that are active and filled with discussion, collaboration, project-based learning, and problem solving.
Students collaborating on wind prototype for the U.S. Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition.
Computer science students participating in a group activity on a Google-sponsored computer science project.
Abdullah Alnaser and students in Surveying (CIVL 130) record measurements on instruments during their class
Presentation during business class.
Salam Ali with her custom designed solar charging station in Langdon Hall.
Changsoo Jung shares details about his GolfPose app as students show off their design projects.
Our Students Come From 52 Nations, 31 States, and 1 U.S. Territory
International Inspirations
Over 300 international students attend Chico State each year. The cultural diversity of our students is what makes us who we are.
We know you have the potential to be an INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION!
Next Steps
Interested in learning more? Review the application process or explore more of campus with a virtual tour.