California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico, often known as Chico State, is the second-oldest campus in the 23 campus California State University system. It is located in Chico, California, about ninety miles north of Sacramento. As of the Fall 2014 semester, the university had a total enrollment of 17,287 students. The university offers 126 types of bachelor's degrees, 35 types of master's degrees, and four types of teaching credentials. The university does not confer doctoral degrees.

History

On March 12, 1887, a legislative act was enacted to create the Northern Branch of the California State Normal School. Less than a month later, Chico was chosen as the location. On June 24, 1887, General John Bidwell donated 8 acres (3.2 ha) of land from his cherry orchard. Then on July 4, 1888, the first cornerstone was laid. On September 3, 1889, doors opened for the 90 enrolled students. The library opened on January 11, 1890 with 350 books. On June 20, 1891 the first graduation took place, a class of 15.