CSU, Chico Moves up on Money Magazine’s ‘2019–20 Best Colleges in America’ List

With the start of the 2019–20 academic year just a handful of days away, California State University, Chico can showcase a pair of prestigious honors.

Money magazine recently listed its “2019–20 Best Colleges in America, Ranked by Value,” and out of 744 qualifying schools, CSU, Chico landed at No. 56—up a few slots from last year’s placement at No. 62 and placing the University in the ranking’s top 7 percent.

“The mission of the faculty and staff at Chico State is to prepare our students to make a difference in the world after they graduate,” said Kim Guanzon, director of Admissions. “And when we combine our cutting-edge facilities, esteemed faculty, and myriad student services with the affordable cost of higher education here, our graduates enjoy a distinct advantage by getting a world-class education without being saddled with debt.”

CSU institutions ranked in the top 50 include Cal State Long Beach (No. 13); Cal State Fullerton (No. 22); CSUN (No. 39); Cal State LA (No. 36); Cal Poly Pomona (No. 41); and Fresno State (No. 51). Other CSU schools in the top 100 are San Diego State (No. 74); Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (No. 75); CSU, Channel Islands (No. 93); and CSU, Dominguez Hills (No. 96).

CSU, Chico was also recognized on Money magazine’s list of “2019–20 Best Public Colleges,” landing at No. 39. The University was ranked No. 37 on the publication’s list last year.

In order to qualify for the publication’s lists, schools must have at least 500 students, provide sufficient and reliable data, not be in financial distress, and have a graduation rate that was at or above the median for its institutional category. Money provides more information on its methodology.

CSU, Chico annually is distinguished with national honors from publications like Money magazine, Forbes magazine, and US News and World Report. In the last year alone, the University has been recognized for its distinction in upward mobility following graduation, regional excellence, and sustainable practices, as well as its individual programs, like the College of Business and its MBA program, its School of Nursing, and Study Abroad.