History

History of Chadron State College

Chadron State College is an open-admissions public institution committed to teaching and learning. Intentional dedication to meaningful instructional experiences, practices, and connections have always been the college’s primary focus.  Student-centered learning is conducted within a community of learners.
 
Chadron State College, founded in 1911, began as a school that primarily prepared teachers. The institution has evolved into offering a strong undergraduate baccalaureate general education in pre-professional programs in a variety of disciplines. The undergraduate offerings are complemented with a limited number of master’s programs in education (1956), business (1984), organizational management (2006), and athletic training (2022). Within the Carnegie classification of institutions in higher education Chadron State College is under the category of Master’s Colleges and Universities -- Medium Programs. Chadron State College has consistently maintained accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission and selected subject-oriented specialized accrediting agencies.  Chadron State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (https://www.hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Chadron State College is the only four-year college serving the western half of Nebraska. The region served is the nexus of western Nebraska, High Plains, and the Frontier and Remote (FAR) communities. Chadron and other towns in the college’s service region are classified as FAR level three communities because of the distance from an area of more than 10,000 people. Only about 1.4% of the U.S. population resides in FAR level three communities.  
 
CSC has a special cultural and economic component to its regional role. A strong sense of community, resilience to adversity, and a practical approach have embodied the character of the college and region for more than a century.