Chico State Celebrated in US News & World Report’s 2024 Rankings

Chico State is no stranger to being near the top of US News & World Report’s Best College Rankings—and this year is no different.

With a pair of top 10 rankings and another three in the top 25, Chico State is firmly recognized as one of the top higher education institutions in the West region in the 2024 US News & World Report’s Best College Rankings, released this week.

“Being recognized as a top regional university that offers an incredible value reflects our commitment to providing students a great, affordable educational experience that prepares them for post-collegiate success,” said Interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Serge Desir.

Chico State returns to the top 20 in the publication’s “Overall Rank – Regional Universities (West)” list at No. 15, up 10 spots from last year. It is the 21st time in 22 years that US News & World Report ranked Chico State in the top 20 of this list.

The University also tied for No. 7 on the “Top Public Schools – Regional Universities (West)” list, up three from last year. CSU schools appear in seven of the top 10 spots: Cal Poly SLO (No. 1); Cal Poly Pomona (No. 2); San José State University (No. 3); Stanislaus State (No. 4); Cal State Monterey Bay (No. 6); Cal State LA and Sacramento State (tied for No. 8; and CSUN (tied at No. 10).

In a new set of rankings this year, US News & World Report placed Chico State at No. 21 in its “Best Value Schools – Regional Universities (West)” rankings. Recognized for its affordability among the nation’s colleges and universities, other CSUs in the top 25 were San José State University at No. 13; Cal Poly SLO at No. 17; Cal State LA at No. 23; and Cal Poly Pomona at No. 25.

As a “Best Value School,” Chico State has also been noted as a leader in social mobility—and tied for No. 22 as a “Top Performer on Social Mobility – Regional Universities (West).” And the University tied for No. 8 on the “Best Colleges for Veterans” regional list.

“While our ultimate goal at Chico State is ensuring that our students have a fantastic community-focused, academic experience that prepares them for success, we are always pleased when our efforts are recognized,” Desir said. “These new rankings are a testament to our dedication to student success.”

While Chico State adds to its impressive run of rankings by US News & World Report, these honors are also stacked amongst similar rankings from other publications this summer. From Forbes to Washington Monthly to Money magazine, the University continues to be recognized as an elite institution of higher education.

Also, as in years past, the CSU system is well-represented in US News’ prestigious list. Other CSUs in the top 15 include top-ranked Cal Poly SLO; Cal Poly Pomona at No. 3; San José State University tied at No. 4; Stanislaus State at No. 10; and Cal State Monterey Bay at No. 14.