Chico State Named the Best University in the Country to Obtain a Master of Social Work by Washington Monthly  

Chico State’s School of Social Work has been named the top university in the country for students to get a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Washington Monthly’s annual ranking of the Best and Worst Colleges for Master’s Degrees.   

Chico State’s MSW program equips students with the expertise needed for advanced social work practice. The curriculum emphasizes both direct services to individuals, families and groups, and broader community and organizational strategies, including advocacy for positive policy and systemic change. Through internships in community-based settings, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them to lead within social service agencies and effect meaningful change in communities across Northern California and beyond.   

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the top program in the nation for earning a master’s in social work,” said Celeste Jones, director of the School of Social Work.  “Students enter our program with a passion for helping all people—youth, adults and the elderly—and graduate ready to advance their careers in a truly noble profession.”   

In addition to the recognition for the School of Social Work, Chico State distinguished itself in several categories in Washington Monthly’s 2024 College Guide and Rankings:   

• Honored in the Master’s University category—defined by Washington Monthly as institutions that award a significant number of master’s degrees but few or no doctoral degrees—Chico State was ranked No. 6 overall, placing it firmly within the top 1 percent of nearly 600 institutions evaluated.  

• Chico State is ranked at No. 17 in the “2024 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: West” reaffirming its status as a top-value institution, for providing exceptional education at an affordable price.   

• Communication Sciences and Disorders is ranked No. 6 among all institutions in the country to obtain a master’s in that discipline.   

“The Washington Monthly rankings reaffirm that a top-tier college education doesn’t require attending an elite institution,” said Provost Leslie Cornick. “At Chico State, we offer students affordable, transformative bachelor’s and master’s degrees that empower them to pursue their passions and excel in their careers. And they can do all that on a beautiful campus in one of California’s friendliest college towns.”   

 Washington Monthly’s college rankings assess an institution’s contributions to the public good and are calculated using three metrics: social mobility, research, and community and public service. The Best Bang for the Buck rankings recognize the Top 50 schools in each region based on how well they help low to moderate income students earn degrees at affordable prices and achieve upward economic mobility.  

 Chico State has consistently earned accolades for its academic excellence and value. In July 2024, the website Payscale released its annual rankings of colleges and universities nationwide for the return on investment, Chico State placed in the top 10 percent in the nation as it ranked No. 93 among public universities. In June 2024, Chico State landed a spot in Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges in America” for 2024 with 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars.  

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About California State University, Chico 

At Chico State, we empower students to Do and Dare in their careers and lives. Founded in 1887, Chico State is the second-oldest institution in the 23-campus CSU, the nation’s largest public university system. Chico State enrolls approximately 14,000 students and serves as the comprehensive university of the North State, the 12-county region where the campus is located. A 20-time US News & World Report “Top Public School in the West,” Chico State prides itself on its high-quality, high-value education, an active and engaged student body, and strong connection with the local community and state of California. Recognized for its focus on sustainability and community involvement, students expand their possibilities through more than 380 academic offerings and co-curricular programs, and work closely with expert faculty to devise solutions for the unprecedented global challenges of the 21st century.