Most of Magellan’s LA-based counselors visited Chico State University together in the spring of 2019 – and we all loved this campus! It’s one of the 23 California State University (CSU) campuses, but would you believe this – Chico State is one of the very few CSU campuses with NO impacted majors at the freshman level! Nursing, social work, and music and recording arts are impacted at the junior level, so students interested in these programs must apply as sophomores; those not admitted can apply again the following semester, or are advised as to how they can redirect their major interests. The business major is not impacted at all, which is unusual for a CSU campus.
Chico State does not guarantee housing but most of the 2000 freshmen live on campus. About a third of the students here are from NorCal, but its semi-remote location (about an hour and a half north of Sacramento) ensures that it is definitely not a commuter campus – it has a very residential feel.
The student-to-faculty ratio here is 24:1; the largest lecture is about 200 students. Our tour guide (a senior) talked about working closely with her professors, who have been very accessible.
Academics at Chico State University
Chico State has an active forensic science lab, and local law enforcement consults with professors on live cases. Because of the large Native American population in this area, Chico State’s anthropology program is quite strong. There is a fully organic farm here, and the engineering program includes majors in robotics, mechatronics and concrete industry management.
Chico State has an Honors program – students with about a 3.5 GPA and a 1200/27 are invited to apply based on GPA and test scores (there is an extra application for this). Honors students can be any major. They receive priority registration, as well as access to Honors residences.
Everyone who goes to Chico State loves it! It’s a bit out of the way, but if you’re looking for an in-state option with school spirit, a residential community feel, and a strong chance of graduating in four years, Chico State could be the right answer! You can scroll through all of our photos below.