I am trying to choose between these 3 Cal States for Business and I’m leaning towards Chico. My parents think I should go to one of the other two because they think their business programs are better. I feel like I would enjoy Chico better. Any thoughts?
I mean, Chico is a pretty campus in the middle of nowhere, where they party a lot. All 3 are good schools, but I’d think SDSU would be the best choice because being in SD would be good for getting internships, jobs, and business is often all about connections.
Thank you. I did get into the Honors Program at Chico so I think that is a big plus. It is a really hard decision to make because I like them all for different reasons. I’m from San Diego so SDSU feels too close for me.
I would 100% choose Cal poly given your choices. It has a considerably better reputation than either Chico or SDSU, it has a much better faculty to student ratio, 19-1 as opposed to 24-1 and 28-1… faculty ratio translates into face time with professors and overall educational experience. Cal Poly also has a great reputation for internship potential. I went to SDSU, so I’m certainly not hating on it, it’s a great school… but it’s extremely overcrowded.
Have you visited Chico State or SLO? If you haven’t visited, definitely visit before making that all important decision. Since SDSU is in your backyard and you want to get away, then I would also suggest Cal Poly SLO. You get the small town feel like Chico State but with an excellent academic reputation for their Business. I happen to think SDSU also has a great Business program but definitely a higher number of undergrads on campus vs. SLO.
Are costs are a concern? Do you plan to go to grad school/MBA? These might also be a consideration if you need to fund your schooling beyond Undergrad.
I’ll ignore SDSU because you note it is too close to home.
My son is a 4th year Sr on track to graduate in May with a Business degree from Chico. He started in the Honors program but didn’t really click with the program’s structure so, stopped after 2 years. Chico honors is a nice perk because of the priority reg - he always got classes when he wanted (roommates report getting classes but, having to go to campus at 8am and sometimes an evening class) About half of his peers seem to be on track to graduate in 4 years. Those that aren’t made a big major change or have to work to support themselves and can’t take a full load. The campus doesn’t have any huge lecture halls so, the class sizes are always reasonable and faculty make themselves pretty available.
Academically, all 3 are all good You also won’t have trouble finding a party at any of them. .
While Cal Poly might seem the obvious choice on paper, their students are more intense - which may or may not suit you. The campus is physically crowded and I think they still put 3 students in dorm rooms designed for 2.
Spend some time on campus at each, talk to some business majors and see what you think.
I don’t think there is a ‘wrong’ answer.
I missed that you got into the Honors college at Chico, so it might level the playing field between SLO and Chico. Getting priority registration is a huge perk.
Good luck with your decision.
@Gumbymom, thank you for your response. I really like Chico but am just concerned that it doesn’t have the “prestige” of the other two. I do think the Honors Program is a big draw for me.
I would definitely consider @NCalRent’s advice and spend time on each campus, talk to the Business majors, meet with the Business program advisor(s) and also visit the Career center. Seeing what companies recruit on campus can help you towards a decision.
Thank you @NCalRent. I’m planning on visiting soon. The pictures I’ve seen show that the campus Is beautiful. I’m excited to check out the town and get some more info. I am very interested in the WOW program for orientation too!
Which 3 Cal States have you been admitted to other than Chico State ?
@svcamom SDSU and Cal Poly