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California State University, Chico
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About Chico State

First-rate academics. An affordable education that changes lives. Active learning driven by faculty who urge you to make a difference. A Hispanic-Serving Institution that welcomes all. A vibrant campus and college town where you’ll love to live. At Chico State, take your first steps toward doing what you love—and daring to do it your way.

Discover Chico

Campus Location and Setting

Chico’s campus stands on the traditional lands of the Mechoopda people, who have contributed to Chico and the University for generations and provide today’s students with an opportunity to pursue education in this beautiful place. 

As stewards of this space today, we’re dedicated to building a sustainable future. Princeton Review counts us among the greenest schools in the country; other organizations have designated us an official Tree Campus USA, USA Certified Butterfly Garden, Monarch Waystation, Certified Wildlife Habitat and Bee Campus USA.

Campus Size and Facilities

Big Chico Creek flows through our 132-acre main campus, which is a designated arboretum. But there’s more—much more. We also operate the 800-acre University Farm, and manage over 7,800 acres of diverse canyon and ridge habitats at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.

Each of these learning environments are incorporated into our curriculum, giving you hands-on experiences unique to Chico. In addition, our art galleries and museums, laboratories, performing arts venues, 1-million-volume library, and extensive athletics facilities provide a rich complement to your coursework.

Sustainability

Not many campuses can top our eco efforts. In 2007, we were among the first institutions in the United States to sign the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. This established a road map for us to embark on a sustainable future—one we’ve been following ever since.

From LEED Gold and Silver building design—and one net-zero energy building—to waterwise landscaping practices to being the first CSU to ban plastic straws on campus, we are constantly seeking out innovative ways to lessen our impact on the environment and lead the way for a greener future. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education ranks us third on their Sustainable Campus Index, a worldwide measure of environmental practices.

That commitment starts with each of us. Most Wildcats live, learn, and work within walking or biking distance to campus. And every year, we host the nation’s largest student-run climate resilience conference. Ongoing efforts toward zero waste, resilience, and greenhouse gas reduction ensure we’ll remain a leader going forward.

Students working at desks in groups during a lecture

Making the Grade

Perhaps the best way to gauge the quality of a Chico State education is by seeing what our students do next: Many of our programs boast a 100 percent employment rate. You’ll find Chico State alumni leading their fields wherever you look.

Smiling woman poses with the Wildcat Statue during Alumni Weekend event on a sunny day.

Enduring Traditions

As the second-oldest campus in the California State University system, we’re steeped in history. We celebrate that spirit not just through special events like Wildcat Weekend, but every day on campus—and wherever our 180,000-plus alumni are found.

College town. Your town.

Chico has something for everybody: Art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, music and theatre fans, you name it. The hardest thing about your four years living in Chico? Leaving.

  • Student sitting under a rock overhang in Upper Bidwell Park.

    Go Out and Play

    Bicycle calls us one of America’s best bike towns, and Outdoor puts us on its list of best towns, period. One of our most amazing assets is practically next to campus: The 3,670-acre Bidwell Park, where you can hike, bike, walk, or just look at the stars. Get to know Chico.

  • Students eating at a restaurant in downtown Chico.

    Middle of the Action

    Chico is just a few hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, but a world from Bay Area prices. Here, you'll enjoy some of the lowest costs of living in the state, while living in a community connected to downtown and nature.

  • Student riding on the bike path on Chico State campus.

    Get Around

    Most Chico State students can walk or bike (or scooter or skateboard!) to campus. We encourage it—a bike path winds through campus to help wheeled users on the go. And, students ride for free on the municipal bus system serving the community.

Two chico state alumni smiling holding Chico State alum pennants

183,323 People Have Your Back

Once you graduate, you may leave campus—but you’ll gain an entirely new community of fellow Wildcats. Find job opportunities and build your network through Chico State alumni chapters in the Bay Area, Portland, New York, San Diego, and beyond.

Student working on their laptop.

Career Opportunities at Chico State

It’s the people who make Chico State special—the nearly 2,000 faculty, administrators, and other staff who drive our mission every day. If you’re committed to student success, and supporting the diverse and intersectional identities of our Wildcats, we’re looking for you.