CHICO, Calif. – Chico State University is earning a new title from Washington Monthly's "2020 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: West."

The University jumped to the No. 17 spot out of 215 institutions, up from No. 29 the last two years.

Director of Admissions Kim Guanzon boasts the small class sizes and residential nature make for an 'unbeatable' college experience. "From learning spaces like the University Farm and Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve to the many, many resources focused on helping our students succeed, CSU, Chico excels at providing an outstanding and affordable education, while its graduates also enter the workforce work-ready and with refined life skills," Guanzon said. "It's truly an honor to be recognized once again for the excellent value we provide."

Washington Monthly bases the rankings on three factors: social mobility, research and community and national service. To be considered for the list, each institution required excellence across the board on all measures.

Schools in the California State University system occupy half of the top 20 spots. Cal State University–Stanislaus took the #1 spot for the "Best Bang for your Buck." University of Washington- Tacoma 2nd and CA State University–Los Angeles took the #3 spot.

CSU, Chico has topped many statewide, regional and national rankings. 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 on-campus tree conservation and having one of the state's top RN programs.

Earlier this week, Chico State University was ranked No. 5 nationally for the lowest student debt. Read more