(Jason Halley/University Photographer/Chico State)
The sun shines near Kendall Hall on Thursday, November 7, 2024 in Chico, Calif.
(Jason Halley/University Photographer/Chico State)
In its latest higher education rankings, US News & World Report ranked Chico State as California’s top institution for receiving an online bachelor’s degree. The University is ranked #66 nationwide, out of more than 350 institutions.
“While Chico State remains a sought-after destination for students across California, we have expanded our online learning opportunities to fulfill our mission of providing the broadest possible access to a college degree,” said Leslie Cornick, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Chico State. “Student success is at the heart of what we do, and dedicated faculty and staff are continually refining our academic offerings to reach more students and support their educational journeys.”
One such student is Luz Gonzalez, who excelled in Chico State’s online Liberal Studies program and earned the prestigious CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement without ever setting foot on campus. A first-generation college student from Los Angeles, she is pursuing her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Chico State offers eight bachelor’s degrees and four master’s degrees online, including popular programs like Humanities, Business Administration, and Nursing, along with six graduate degree and certificate options. With decades of experience in online education, the University understands what students need to thrive, offering flexibility with recorded lectures and access to faculty through email, virtual office hours, and live chats. Students also benefit from dedicated major advisors, tutoring, career services, and a supportive online community, ensuring they stay connected and on track to achieve their goals.
The new rankings are included in the 2025 edition of Best Online Programs ranking released by U.S. News & World Report and are based on data from 2024. Universities with online programs are ranked in four categories: engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and peer assessment. A program’s score for each factor, or ranking indicator, is calculated using data that online programs report to U.S. News in an annual survey.
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About California State University, Chico
At Chico State, we empower students to Do and Dare in their careers and lives. Founded in 1887, Chico State is the second-oldest institution in the 23-campus CSU, the nation’s largest public university system. Chico State enrolls more than 14,000 students and serves as the comprehensive university of the North State, the 12-county region where the campus is located. A 21-time US News & World Report “Top Public School in the West,” Chico State prides itself on its high-quality, high-value education, an active and engaged student body, and strong connection with the local community and state of California. Recognized for its focus on sustainability and community involvement, students expand their possibilities through more than 380 academic offerings and co-curricular programs, and work closely with expert faculty to devise solutions for the unprecedented global challenges of the 21st century.
