CSU, Chico Moves up on Forbes Magazine’s ‘Best Value Colleges’ List for 2019

As prospective students and their families begin to make higher education choices for the upcoming academic year, the value of that education becomes increasingly important. California State University, Chico continues to be highly regarded, earning top national rankings for affordability, academic excellence and social mobility.

In its fourth annual ranking of the nation’s 300 “Best Value Colleges,” Forbes magazine listed CSU, Chico at No. 73, up from last year’s ranking of No. 89. Additionally, in terms of public schools, the University placed 43rd nationally.

“Chico State is steadfast in its commitment to creating an inclusive and affordable higher education experience,” said President Gayle Hutchinson. “The University—and the entire CSU system—remains a leader in education and innovation, providing students with a world-class education and preparing them to assume responsibility in the workforce and as engaged members of a global society.”

Universities from the CSU system were well-represented on Forbes’ list. San Diego State was the top CSU school at No. 30, followed by CSU, Long Beach at No. 37 and San Jose State at No. 40. Other CSU institutions making the top 100 include CSU, Fullerton (No. 53), Cal Poly Pomona (No. 59), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (No. 70), Fresno State (No. 90), CSUN (No. 92) and Sacramento State (No. 95).

Employing data from the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard and PayScale, Forbes evaluated 300 US colleges and universities based on net price, alumni earnings, academic quality, graduation rates and the number of Pell Grant recipients. The magazine’s methodology also added focus on schools’ societal contribution putting greater emphasis on affordability and economic benefits, which contribute to better rates of upward mobility.

“From our world-class faculty and staff resources to our cutting-edge facilities, Chico State is dedicated to student success,” said Kim Guanzon, director of the Office of Admissions. “The Forbes rankings demonstrate that we’re doing excellent work in preparing our students to be work-ready once they enter the workforce, and we’re doing it in an affordable fashion.”

The Forbes ranking is one of many that continue to recognize Chico State’s value, excellence, and transformative experiences. Last fall, U.S. News & World Report placed the University at the No. 9 spot on its list of Top Public Schools in the West. The honor represented the 20^th consecutive top-10 placement for Chico State on the West region’s public schools list.

Additional rankings in the last year include earning the No. 32 spot on Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges for Transfer Students” out of 727 American universities; a listing in Money magazine’s “50 Best Public Colleges” and “Best Colleges For Your Money 2018”; inclusion by U.S. News & World Report on a list of best schools for online bachelor’s programs; and being named No. 2 in the nation by CollegeNet in its 2018 Social Mobility Index as a national higher education institutions that provides its students with the best opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

As high school students continue to make their selection for the colleges they will attend, Chico State is extending its enrollment period for fall 2019. For more information or to enroll, visit www.csuchico.edu/admissions.