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Chico State

Chico State Excellence Reflected in US News & World Report Rankings

An academic building sits in the early evening sun with colorful clouds swirling behind.
Jason Halley / University Photographer

Kendall Hall is seen in the early morning of Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/University Photographer/CSU, Chico)

With the 2021–22 academic year in full swing, California State University, Chico has been honored for its all-around excellence, on both regional and national scales.

In its 2022 Best Colleges Rankings, US News & World Report recognized Chico State on a half-dozen lists—including a trio of regional top 25 placements: Social Mobility, Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Public Schools.

Jerry Ross, associate vice president for Enrollment Management, said that he is thrilled US News & World Report continues to recognize Chico State’s overall excellence, given that many consider its annual listings as the gold standard in college rankings.

“Being ranked as one of the top regional universities in the West is an honor and shows the commitment to academic quality from the entire campus community,” Ross said. “Additionally, with our access mission, we are really thrilled with the recognition of our role in social mobility for our students and alumni.”

Chico State’s top ranking came at a tie for No. 17 on the “Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities West” list. Larry Langwell, program coordinator of the University’s Veteran Education Transition Services, said his office relies on a committed network of service providers throughout campus and the veteran community to foster success among Chico State student veterans—work that is realized and reflected in this recognition.

“We are very honored to be recognized as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans in the West region,” he added. “This acknowledges that we continue to fulfill our obligation to serve those that have served and are serving our nation and their family members.”

Additionally, US News & World Report recognized Chico State tied at No. 18 in its “Top Public Schools – Regional Universities West” list—rankings dominated by CSU campuses. Top-ranked Cal Poly San Luis Obispo was followed by No. 2 Cal State Long Beach, No. 3 Cal Poly Pomona, No. 5 Cal State Fullerton, No. 7 San Jose State, No. 8 Cal State LA and No. 9 CSU Monterey Bay. CSU campuses also appearing in the top 20 were San Francisco State (No. 11), Stanislaus State and Humboldt State (both tied at No. 12), Cal State San Bernardino and Sonoma State (tied at No. 16) and CSUN (tied at No. 18) and CSU Channel Islands (tied at No. 20).

Chico State’s biggest jump in this year’s honors came in the “Top Performers on Social Mobility – Regional Universities West” rankings, coming in tied at No. 24—which is a 17-spot improvement from last year’s placement.

Additional placements for Chico State this year include “Best Regional Universities West” (tied for No. 39 out of 126 institutions) and “Best Undergraduate Engineering – No Doctorate” (tied for No. 75, up 16 spots from last year).

To compile its rankings, US News & World Report factored graduation and retention rates, graduate rate performance, social mobility, and faculty and financial resources among its methodology. Chico State continues to rack up numerous national and regional recognitions—and in a diverse array of categories. Within the last year, College Consensus ranked the University No. 2 in its “Best Online Colleges and Universities” and No. 8 in the “Best Public Colleges and Universities” lists—both national honors. The Institute for International Education ranked Chico State’s Study Abroad and Exchange program at No. 7 nationally for master’s institutions participating in a year or longer. And a few weeks ago, the University placed in the top 15 in a pair of Washington Monthly’s 2021 College Guide and Rankings lists—“Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: West” and “Master’s University Rankings.”