9 Questions You’re Asking About Us on Google (With Answers)

Everyone knows what happens when you start typing a question into Google. You start with one of the Five Ws (who, what, where, etc.), maybe a “how,” and from there Google fills out the rest with real-time suggestions for the world’s most popular questions. But, what happens when you add “Chico State” to the mix? Here are nine common questions the world asks about California State University, Chico.

Who founded Chico State?

Many people came together to create what is now California State University, Chico. On March 10, 1887, a state legislative act was approved to create a northern branch of the State Normal School of California. Pioneer John Bidwell donated eight acres of his cherry orchard and encouraged the North State community to come together and raise $10,000 (today’s equivalent of $250,000) to help fund the school. A month later, Chico was chosen as the site for the new teachers’ college. In a town gathering to celebrate the news and thank the community for their efforts, Bidwell said, “Every citizen must consider it his duty to do everything he can for the cause of education and community.” Bidwell later served on the first board of trustees alongside F.C. Lusk, J.W.B. Montgomery, L.H. McIntosh, and A.H. Crew. For our complete history, visit the Chico State Traditions page.

What is Chico State known for?

Successful graduates, caring faculty, gorgeous campus, and partying, though we haven‘t been on any party school lists since 2002 and you are more likely to find Chico State ranked for things like community service, study abroad and online programs. Chico State’s reputation is defined by excellence, from strong academics to outstanding opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference. Some of the points students mention often include the residential college experience, having access to professors, graduating prepared to work, and the 100% job placement rates in a number of programs. Our top-five largest majors are business administration, psychology, pre-nursing, criminal justice, and liberal studies. The Chico State campus is also a recognized arboretum and home to more than 200 species of plants, thanks in part to the Big Chico Creek which flows from the Sierra Nevada foothills through the campus to the Sacramento River.

When does Chico State start?

The first day of classes changes each semester depending on the academic calendar set by the Chancellor’s Office. Generally, fall semester classes begin the last or second-to-last Monday of August, and spring semester classes begin in the last or second-to-last week of January. Visit the university’s website for the most recent academic calendar.

When does Chico State send acceptance letters?

The Office of Admissions processes applications and sends admissions decisions out on a rolling basis for students who applied for the fall or spring semesters. Students can find their most current application status in their Student Center within their Portal account.

How many students attend Chico State?

In the the fall 2015 semester, 17,220 students called Chico State home. They came from 46 nations, 37 states, and 2 United States territories. For a more thorough breakdown of the student population, visit the Chico Facts website.

How much is Chico State tuition?

For the 2015–16 school year, the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office estimated the cost of an undergraduate student’s in-state tuition as $7,022, not including living expenses or supplies. For a complete breakdown of Chico State’s cost of attendance and information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the university’s Cost of Attendance page. 

Does Chico State have a football team?

In 1997, the Wildcats football program was cut due to funding and scheduling issues. Today, Chico State has 13 Division II men’s and women’s athletic teams, boasting academically strong student-athletes as well as national title winners. For a complete athletics schedule, visit the Chico State Athletics website.

Does Chico State have a nursing program?

Chico State’s School of Nursing is nationally recognized. In 2015, NurseJournal.org ranked the program 10th in America’s Best Nursing Schools 2015 Western Rankings. The survey based its competitive ranking on quality, affordability, convenience, and student satisfaction. Additionally, the BS in Nursing for RNs online degree completion program ranked 36th among the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in the country reported by RNtoBSN.org.

Is Chico State a good school?

A great school, actually. Chico State has received the best possible score on the first two College Scorecards put out by the U.S. Department of Education, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked Chico State a top-10 regional public university in the West every year since 1998. For more on what makes Chico State a great place to learn, visit the Experience Excellence homepage.