University Moves Up in Money Magazine National Rankings for Top Schools

Less than a week into the 2020–21 academic year, California State University, Chico has been honored as a top higher education institution in the nation.

In Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges 2020”—the publication’s annual rankings of more than 730 public and private colleges and universities across the country—CSU, Chico was honored on three separate rankings. In the prominent list of “The Best Colleges in America, Ranked by Value,” CSU, Chico appeared at No. 52—up five slots from last year’s placement.

Kim Guanzon, director of Admissions at CSU, Chico, said the mission of the University’s faculty and staff to prepare our students to make a difference in the world after graduation remains steadfast, particularly as the campus community faces a global pandemic.

“Our cutting-edge facilities, dedicated faculty and affordable cost of higher education combine to give our graduates a distinct advantage by getting a world-class education,” she said. “And as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to providing myriad student services, whether in person or virtual, to ensure our students receive the assistance they need in order to succeed.”

CSU campuses ranked in the top 50 include Cal Poly Pomona (No. 15); San José State (No. 24); Cal State Long Beach (No. 27); Cal State Fullerton (No. 34); CSUN (No. 45); and Cal State LA (No. 47). Other CSU schools in the top 100 are Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (No. 51); Stanislaus State (No. 55); Fresno State (No. 62); Cal State East Bay (No. 66); Sacramento State (No. 70); CSU Dominguez Hills (No. 74); San Diego State (No. 79); and Cal State San Bernardino (No. 86).

Additionally, CSU, Chico was recognized at No. 34 in Money magazine’s “Best Public Colleges” rankings and at No. 21 in the list of the country’s “Most Transformative Colleges.”

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. Since the beginning of 2020, the University has been ranked as one of the nation’s top schools in a consensus report, honored as one of the nation’s top colleges for an agriculture degree, recognized for its commitment to on-campus tree conservation and celebrated as having one of the state’s top RN programs.

Additionally, CSU, Chico was recently ranked No. 5 nationally for the lowest student debt.