About Chico State

Discover Chico State

Since 1887, Chico State has helped students build meaningful futures through purpose-driven learning, personal connection, and real-world experience. The regional comprehensive university enrolls more than 14,800 students from across California and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution where nearly half of students are the first in their family to pursue a four-year degree. A U.S. News & World Report “Top Public School in the West” for more than two decades, Chico State offers more than 300 programs of study with areas of strength including agriculture and the environment, healthcare, education, engineering, and more.

Located in a beautiful and globally connected region of Northern California, the University’s distinctive learning environments—including its 800-acre University Farm and the largest ecological reserve in the California State University system—reflect its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and hands-on education. Part of the country's largest public university system, Chico State is nationally recognized for its high-value degrees, empowering social mobility, and preparing students to lead in a changing world. 

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.