We have seen all of these colleges, but Chico. Thinking of making a last minute trip to see Chico. Any thoughts…
He is a Kinesiology major. We are worried that we are too late for SF housing and that Sonoma may not have enough to do. Liked Oregon, however not thrilled about the out of state price.
SF State will have $$$$ housing costs for all years.
I live about 20 mins from Sonoma State. Options for “fun stuff” are limited esp if you dont have a car …
i toured Chico and its pretty but "fun stuff " limited w/o a car
San Francisco without housing is going to be a nightmare so cross it out.
How much more is Oregon state and can you pay for it put of pocket (from income and savings) ?
Did your child get into Chico Honors?
@golden2 I want to add that Sonoma State has access to Golden Gate Transit which runs busses to SF all the time, so a fun trip to the city is possible. The town of Rohnert Park has a Costco, a very large movie theatre complex, a Scandia Fun Center, a roller skating center and a Target and Walmart. The beach is about an hour drive away . The housing is on the newer side too. Its a smaller campus which is good if your son prefers a smaller feel. My feeling is there is a lot less to do in Chico … lends itself to a high “party” factor
Sonoma has a great campus and it’s more residential than most other csu 's which helps in fostering a sense of community.
Thanks for your input. Oregon State is about 10k more. We have savings, but would need to add to it. He did like Sonoma and we did, too. But, I think he liked San Francisco better. Not sure what we will end up doing.
Financially speaking, if Oregon State is affordable from income + savings, that’s what I’d pick.
Next Sonoma .
SF would be last, because without housing it could mean $2,000/mo rents or living in his car (as more and more salaried people have to do.)
My D lives near San Francisco State and pays $1450 in rent for her own room in a 2BR. Your son could get away with half of that if he was willing to share a room.
Tour Chico … you will love it or hate it.
you will have no trouble getting by without a car - in fact, they are discouraged for freshmen. Local transit is free for students and you really can walk to just about anything from the dorms. Uber is widely available too. My son is a graduating Sr there. His share of the rent on a 3 bedroom (own room) duplex a short walk from campus and in the middle of all the Frats, sororities, etc is $500. He has a car but, doesn’t use it much (sometimes goes weeks without being driven).
Sonoma was my son’s second choice. It may be hard to believe but,it (at Sonoma) really felt like you had to go to SF or someplace to have fun… where in Chico, you never need to leave town. There is always something going on - and it isn’t only parties, farmer’s markets, nut festivals, live music… all kinds of non-party activities.
I get the appeal of both but, my son doesn’t regret chosing Chico.
Visit Chico. If the kid likes it, it’s the one I’d pick.
My daughter was deciding between Chico State, Sonoma State, SF State, University of Oregon, University of Colorado Boulder, and Colorado State. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we went to visit Chico State, needless to say she fell in love and so did I!! It was an easy choice for her after visiting. She committed to Chico.
We are from southern cal so the OOS tuition was also a factor for us. My son goes to Cal Poly Slo, and Chico (to us) has that same “happening” college town feel, beautiful surounding area and campus, and lots of fun options. Yes parties and Greek life, but also clubs, hiking, easy access to town, concerts, etc. definitely worth a visit!
I know two people that go to Sonoma and it’s defintley much quieter with less to do (according to them). We crossed SF off our list after visiting for a second time and not caring for the “computer” aspect. Plus living expenses in SF are $$$$$.
Every kid is different so depends on what he is looking for. Best of luck.
FYI Chico housing application’s opened up on 4/12.
SF State feels like a commuter campus. Sonoma State feels like a big community college. The Chico State campus is tied with Yale as my favorite campus, and Chico’s a pretty cool mix of college students and cowboys.
Never been on the Oregon State campus.
^ I disagree on Sonoma feeling like a community college. First, it’s one of the most residential CSU’s and the dorms are great. The whole campus is closer to a small private college than a community college.
I live in Sonoma CA. SSU is about 20 miles from me. My feeling is it feels like a private school vs a junior college. The dorms are nice . I have spent my entire life living in the small community and I can tell you there are not a lot of things to do. LOL. Not having a car here is a challenge.It’s one of the main reasons why I have chosen to go to Fullerton because I want more of an urban feel because I’ve spent my whole life around grass and trees. What I know is my decision was made because I went to the college. I can’t imagine making a decision like this without having boots on the ground so to speak
If you can afford it, Oregon St., being in the PAC 12 sports conference, has the “rah rah” school spirit, more so than the other schools you mentioned. Also, academically, it is a little higher.