Money Magazine Ranks CSU, Chico as One of the Nation’s 50 Best Public Colleges

As students begin their fall 2018 classes at California State University, Chico later this month, they’ll be furthering their education at a campus recently recognized as one of the country’s best.

This week, Money magazine released its fifth annual ranking of the nation’s “50 Best Public Colleges,” and CSU, Chico arrived at No. 37 out of 727 American universities.

“Rankings like these help demonstrate that the University’s faculty — among the best in their fields—provide our students with top-tier academic and research opportunities,” said Kim Guanzon from CSU, Chico’s Office of Admissions. “And our students are well-prepared for their future employment following graduation. This ranking is yet another affirmation of the outstanding work being done on this campus every day.”

Additionally, CSU, Chico appears on Money’s “Best Colleges For Your Money 2018” list at No. 62, a sizeable jump from last year’s ranking of No. 174.

“This campus offers a wealth of on-campus resources for students to help them in their pursuit of a degree,” Guanzon said. “From financial aid and academic advising to the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry, Chico State is committed to helping our students reach their full potential, and graduate feeling incredibly satisfied with their overall experience.”

Overall, 12 CSU campuses are ranked on the 50 Best Public Colleges list, including CSU, Long Beach at No. 13; CSU, Dominguez Hills at No. 28; Cal Poly Pomona at No. 29; Stanislaus State at No. 31, Cal State LA at No. 33; and San José State at No. 36.

Other CSUs in the top 50 are Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (No. 39); Fresno State (No. 41); CSU, San Bernardino (No. 42); San Diego State (No. 47); and CSU, Fullerton (No. 49).

These honors from Money come on the heels of Forbes magazine’s #MyTopCollege social media contest—in which CSU, Chico fared well nationally. Students, alumni, and faculty and staff from colleges and universities across the nation were encouraged to post on social media why they consider their institutions the best, using the hashtag #MyTopCollege. CSU, Chico finished eighth nationally, and fourth among large schools.

“We know from alumni attitude surveys that our graduates have above-average affinity, but it’s always nice when a ranking or contest affirms what we know to be true—that Chico State’s caring community, quality education, and beautiful campus make us a top choice within higher education,” said Sue Anderson, assistant vice president for Alumni and Parent Engagement.

The top four spots were a sweep by the CSU, with CSU, Fullerton; CSU, Long Beach; and CSU, Northridge joining CSU, Chico.

For its rankings, Money used data from a number of sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s PayScale.com, and MONEY/College Measures calculations. Read more about the magazine’s methodologies here.