Our hands-on programs and active community create graduates who are socially conscious, intellectually curious, and ready to #DoAndDare in their careers and lives.
Apply to Chico State
What you do today shapes how you’ll dare tomorrow.
At Chico State, we know that your college education is more than a set of classes: it’s the start of your life’s passion realized.
We offer more than 385 undergraduate majors and minors, graduate degrees, and professional certifications, so there’s something for everyone.
Do great things. Dare to do them together.
Our professors create close partnerships with their students, fostering their talents and recognizing them as individuals. They'll know your name and your dreams—and will help you pursue them. The majority of our students are the first generation in their family to achieve a college degree and our community of support from academic advising to mental wellness services are designed to help you succeed.
Build connections beyond the classroom.
Our community is bigger than the classroom. Students apply scholarship, research, and service to address local and global issues in the city of Chico, the North State, and beyond. You can explore the world through study abroad or competing nationally with one of our hundreds of student organizations. The opportunities to get involved, build community, and make a difference are endless.
Tomorrow's leaders are made here
We're proud Chico State has been named a top 10 public university in the West by U.S. News & World Report for more than 20 years.
But we're even prouder to be one of the best colleges in the country for social mobility and for the way our high-quality, high-value education changes the trajectory of students' lives. In fact, Chico State is No. 1 in California and No. 5 in the nation for graduates with the lowest student debt amounts—so you can focus less on finances and more on your future.
Dare to Define Your Own Future
Chico State students graduate ready to make an impact and drive positive change in their lives and careers. We help you take ownership of your journey, use your voice, and mobilize the next generation.
One of just 40 of 600 applicants, Bri Seiders was selected to work at Super Bowl LVI. The recreation, hospitality and parks management major put her years of coursework and co-curricular involvement into real-world application.
Designing scaffolds to grow tissues for organ transplantation alongside his faculty advisor was a formative undergraduate experience for Rigoberto Vazquez. The mechanical engineering major is now working on his PhD at Cornell University.
After completing a degree in computer animation and game development, Erika Muniz works for Halon Entertainment where she uses her skills in 3-D modeling and photogrammetry to create authentic gaming experiences for women and people of color.
After completing a master’s degree in biological sciences, first-generation college student Jaime Lopez's California Sea Grant Fellowship is his next step toward working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A Great Place to Live
The Heart of Northern California
Located at the base of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains, Chico is surrounded by endless beauty in all directions. We are just a few hours north of San Francisco and 90 minutes from California’s capital of Sacramento.
Low Cost of Living
We are located in the heart of the city of Chico. With one of the lowest costs of living in the state—80% less than the Bay Area—this will become your new hometown with thriving art and music scenes, dining, boutiques, and farmers markets.
Naturally Beautiful
Our Wildcat community lives and thrives in one of the greenest campuses in the nation. Chico State has direct access to Bidwell Park’s 3,670-acres of biking, hiking, & other recreation opportunities.
