California State University-Chico

California State University, Chico traces its history to 1887, when a benefactor donated an eight-acre cherry orchard for the establishment of a school. Today its main campus covers 119 acres, and the university also manages 800 acres of farm land as well as more than 4,000 acres of ecological reserves. The school's eco-friendly spirit has thrust it into the national spotlight. Chico State is ranked by many organizations as one of the country's greenest campuses, thanks in large part to the undergraduates who host the country's largest student-run sustainability conference. Chico State has a six-year graduation rate of nearly 66%, which is about 28% higher than schools that serve students from similar backgrounds. The diverse student body (made up of 16,000 undergrads) is a globally minded one; last year, more than 340 students took part in study abroad programs. The Division II athletics program also keeps students active. Some students complain that a party atmosphere can take over on the weekends, but classes held outside among the trees and lunches by the campus creek provide tranquility during the rest of the week. The campus, which is home to more than 200 species of plants, was officially dedicated as an arboretum in 1982.