California State University-Chico (Chico State) is located in Chico, California. Founded in 1889 to train and educate teachers, it was the Northern branch of the State Normal School and named Chico Normal School. 90 students attended the first year. As the school expanded, the name changed several times. Other names have included Chico State Teachers College and Chico State College. In 1972, the college was again renamed, this time to California State University-Chico, and it is often referred to as Chico State.
Mission/Vision
The mission of Chico State is to “ assist students in their search for knowledge and understanding and to prepare them with the attitudes, skills, and habits of lifelong learning in order to assume responsibility in a democratic community and to be useful members of a global society.” Community is an important part of Chico State’s vision. The school strives to create “an active, diverse, healthy, caring, innovative, and green learning and working environment.” Through collaborative living and learning environments, the University encourages its students to embrace local, regional and global communities. Chico State has one of the top graduation rates in the California State University system.
Campus Setting
Chico State’s main campus is located in downtown Chico, California. The college also owns over 1000 acres of farmland and 5 acres of off-campus dorm housing located within a mile of the main campus. While students are encouraged to live on campus and take part of the residential community, they may choose off-campus locations as well. Students living on campus have opportunities to collaborate, lead and learn from the communities they are a part of. CSU, Chico is considered a rural environment campus and is 90 minutes away from Sacramento, CA.
Academics
Academic programs at Chico State include a detailed guide called a Master Academic Plan, which allows students to understand the requirements of the program and explore other areas of interest. The undergraduate program is comprised of more than 150 degrees in the liberal arts, professional and technical degree options. Many of these programs offer areas of specialization. Teaching certifications and other minors are also offered.
Graduate students make up nine percent of the student body. The 33 Master’s degree programs include professional, liberal arts and technical degrees.
Athletics
The California State University-Chico’s sports teams, called the Wildcats, are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, track and field, cross country and soccer. Women’s sports include basketball, golf, track and field, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Chico State is very affordable for California residents, while remaining affordable for out-of-state students. Financial aid, grants and scholarships are available for students who qualify. Please refer to the school’s website for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.
Accreditation
California State University-Chico is accredited by the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Admissions
California State University-Chico has strict admission requirements. The following application requirements must be met to qualify for admission: Obtain a passing score of “C” or better in all of the required college prep classes, meet the minimum Eligibility Index for resident or non-resident students. Applicants who have a 3.0 or higher GPA are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who successfully complete AP or IB programs may gain extra admission points on the Eligibility Index.
For more information about admissions to California State University–Chico, please contact the admissions office at:
info@csuchico.edu
Admissions Office
California State University, Chico
Student Services Center 130
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929-0722
Phone (local): 530-898-6322
Phone (out of the area): 800-542-4426
Fax: 530-898-6456
