About California State University, Chico
California State University, Chico, commonly known as Chico State, is a public university founded in 1887 as the northern branch of the California State Normal School. It became part of the California State University system in 1972 and has grown into a comprehensive institution serving over 16,000 students. Located in the charming city of Chico in Northern California, the university spans a 119-acre main campus plus an 800-acre ecological reserve, emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship. Chico State's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that fosters intellectual, creative, and ethical growth, preparing students for productive lives in a diverse society.
Key achievements include national recognition for its sustainability efforts, such as being named a top green college by The Princeton Review. The university excels in programs like agriculture, business, engineering, education, and nursing, with strong emphasis on experiential learning through internships, research, and community partnerships. Notable alumni include politicians, athletes, and business leaders. For more details, visit the California State University, Chico Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in Chico.
Chico State's history is rooted in teacher education but has expanded to include robust STEM and liberal arts programs. The campus features beautiful architecture, including the historic Trinity Hall, and is known for its lively student life amid the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, the university continues to attract top talent in academia.
Discover professor ratings and academic insights through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, and explore careers via Higher Ed Jobs.
Faculty Job Opportunities at California State University, Chico
Faculty job opportunities at California State University, Chico are diverse and cater to a range of academic disciplines, reflecting the university's strengths in agriculture, business, engineering, and education. As of 2025 trends, there's high demand for assistant professors in STEM fields, particularly environmental science and sustainable agriculture, driven by California's focus on climate resilience. Lecturer roles in business and humanities are also prevalent, offering flexible positions for experienced educators. Research jobs at California State University, Chico often involve collaborations with local industries, such as in the College of Agriculture, where faculty engage in cutting-edge studies on crop science and food systems.
Salary ranges for these positions vary by rank and department. Based on recent data from sources like the California State University salary database and Glassdoor estimates for 2025, assistant professors can expect $75,000 to $95,000 annually, while associate professors earn $90,000 to $115,000, and full professors $110,000 to $140,000 or more, influenced by experience and grants. These figures are competitive within the CSU system, with additional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. For professor positions at California State University, Chico, departments like Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science are expanding due to tech industry ties in Northern California.
Higher education jobs at California State University, Chico include administrative roles in student affairs and research coordination, with trends showing growth in online education post-pandemic. To explore these, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by California State University, Chico, or check Lecturer Jobs and Professor Jobs. Academic careers at California State University, Chico offer tenure-track paths with opportunities for interdisciplinary work, such as in the Institute for Sustainable Development.
Job seekers can find listings for research assistant jobs in labs focused on biodiversity or faculty jobs in education, where demand is steady due to teacher shortages. With a low cost of living in Chico compared to urban areas, these roles provide a balanced lifestyle. For more on academic opportunities, see Research Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Agriculture 💼
Focus on sustainable farming; salary $80,000-$100,000.
Lecturer in Business 🎓
Teach management courses; salary $70,000-$90,000.
Research Fellow in Engineering 🔬
Innovate in mechanical systems; salary $85,000-$105,000.
Professor in Education 📚
Lead teacher training; salary $100,000+.
Why Work at California State University, Chico
Working at California State University, Chico offers a rewarding blend of academic excellence, community engagement, and work-life balance in a picturesque setting. Faculty enjoy robust research opportunities, particularly in sustainability and agriculture, with access to state-of-the-art facilities like the University Farm. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and professional development programs. Unique benefits include affordable housing in Chico, comprehensive health plans, and a supportive union environment through the California Faculty Association. The university's emphasis on diversity and inclusion creates an enriching atmosphere for academic careers at California State University, Chico. Explore more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Compared to larger urban universities, Chico State provides smaller class sizes for meaningful student interactions and collaborations with local industries, enhancing research impact. Notable perks include sabbatical leaves and funding for innovative projects, making it ideal for those seeking professor positions at California State University, Chico.
Salary Guide for Faculty at California State University, Chico
The salary guide for faculty at California State University, Chico is informed by the CSU system's transparent pay scales, adjusted for 2025 trends including inflation and collective bargaining agreements. Entry-level assistant professors typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on department—higher in high-demand fields like engineering ($85,000+) versus humanities ($70,000+). Associate professors see ranges of $90,000 to $115,000, while full professors command $110,000 to $145,000, with top earners in administration or grant-heavy roles exceeding $150,000. Factors influencing pay include years of experience, publication record, teaching load, and location-based adjustments for California's cost of living.
Salaries in California State University, Chico academia are competitive but may be lower than private institutions; however, benefits like pension contributions and health coverage add significant value. For instance, in the College of Business, average faculty pay is around $105,000, while in agriculture, it's $95,000 due to specialized expertise. Recent data from the Chronicle of Higher Education and CSU reports show a 3-5% annual increase. To compare, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
Additional earnings come from summer teaching, consulting, or research grants, potentially boosting income by 20%. Union negotiations ensure equity, with merit-based raises. For lecturer roles, part-time pay is $50,000-$70,000 pro-rated, making it accessible for adjunct professor jobs at California State University, Chico.
Overall, faculty salaries at California State University, Chico support a comfortable lifestyle in Chico's affordable market, with opportunities for advancement. Explore detailed breakdowns at Professor Salaries.
| Rank | Salary Range 📊 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $75,000 - $95,000 | Environmental Science |
| Associate Professor | $90,000 - $115,000 | Business |
| Full Professor | $110,000 - $145,000 | Engineering |
| Lecturer | $70,000 - $90,000 | Education |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at California State University, Chico
Rate professors at California State University, Chico using the Rate My Professor platform on AcademicJobs.com to find top educators and share experiences. This tool helps students and academics identify excellence in teaching, with ratings based on clarity, helpfulness, and difficulty. For instance, in the Biology department, professors are praised for engaging labs tied to sustainability programs.
Dr. Emily Carter - Biology ⭐ 4.8/5
Known for inspiring lectures on ecology at California State University, Chico.
Prof. Michael Ruiz - Business ⭐ 4.7/5
Expert in entrepreneurship, highly rated for practical insights.
Dr. Sarah Lee - Engineering ⭐ 4.9/5
Leads innovative projects in mechanical engineering.
Prof. David Thompson - Education ⭐ 4.6/5
Focuses on inclusive teaching methods.
Dr. Anna Patel - Agriculture ⭐ 4.8/5
Renowned for sustainable farming research.
Prof. Robert Kim - Humanities ⭐ 4.7/5
Engaging in literature and cultural studies.
Career Progression at California State University, Chico
Career progression at California State University, Chico follows a structured path from lecturer to tenured professor, with emphasis on research, teaching, and service. Entry-level academics start as assistant professors on tenure-track, advancing to associate after 5-7 years with strong publications and evaluations. Salaries increase accordingly, from $80,000 to $120,000+. The university supports professional development through workshops and grants, particularly in research funding from sources like the National Science Foundation. Key strengths include interdisciplinary programs in sustainability. For guidance, visit Higher Ed Career Advice.
Factors like mentorship and union support enhance progression, with opportunities for administrative roles.
Research and Innovation at California State University, Chico
Research at California State University, Chico emphasizes sustainability, with major areas in agriculture, environmental science, and engineering. Trends for 2025 include climate adaptation and renewable energy, supported by centers like the Ecological Reserves. Funding comes from federal grants and partnerships. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations include biofuel development and community-based projects.
Resources for California State University, Chico Academics
- Professional development via the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching 🎓
- California Faculty Association for union support 💼
- Comprehensive benefits including retirement and health plans
- Grant writing workshops and sabbatical opportunities
Student Life and Perspectives at California State University, Chico
Student life at California State University, Chico is vibrant, with clubs, sports, and events in a close-knit community. Programs in business and agriculture lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include career services and internships.