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CSU, Chico Recognized by Forbes as One of ‘America’s Top Colleges’

Sean Murphy
Graduates in cap and gown sit in anticipation of Commencement as the sun sets behind the stage
Jessica Bartlett / University Photographer

Students from the College Of Communication And Education and College of Natural Sciences sit during Commencement ceremonies in 2017. Last week, Chico State was ranked on Forbes magazine’s ‘America’s Top Colleges’ list.

California State University, Chico’s run as a nationally ranked higher education institution continues just as fall classes resume.

A week after Money magazine recognized CSU, Chico as one of the nation’s top public colleges, Forbes magazine named the University in its annual “America’s Top Colleges” list. CSU, Chico, which welcomes its students back to campus today, is ranked No. 347 nationally out of 650 colleges and universities that appeared on the list.

“Chico State has a mission and responsibility to educate our students and prepare them to excel after graduation,” said Kim Guanzon, interim director of CSU, Chico’s Office of Admissions. “We’re reminded that we accomplish that mission on a daily basis, and to receive recognition from Forbes lets us know that others see that, as well.”

The CSU was highly visible on the Forbes list. San Diego State, the only CSU campus to crack the top 100, came in at No. 81; followed by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at No. 137; CSU, Long Beach at No. 286; Cal Maritime at, No. 297; Cal Poly Pomona at No. 301; San José State at No. 314; and CSU, Fullerton at No. 317.

The other CSU campuses that made the list are Stanislaus State; Fresno State; San Francisco State; Sonoma State; Sacramento State; CSU, Northridge; CSU, East Bay; Cal State LA; CSU, San Bernardino; and Humboldt State. Harvard University was named the nation’s top school.

When ranking the schools on the list, Forbes considered factors like alumni salary, debt, student experience, graduates’ success (American leaders), and academic success. Read more about the magazine’s methodology here.

The University recently appeared on Forbes magazine’s #MyTopCollege social media contest—in which CSU, Chico fared well nationally. Students, alumni, and faculty and staff from colleges and universities across the nation were encouraged to post on social media why they consider their institutions the best, using the hashtag #MyTopCollege. CSU, Chico finished eighth nationally, and fourth among large schools.

Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy (English, ’97) is the Media Relations Coordinator at Chico State. When he's not writing press releases and pitching story ideas to the media or fielding media inquiries, he's writing about human interest stories, sports, the outdoors and the remarkable students, staff and faculty at Chico State.