Chico State has been ranked ninth of the regional universities in the Western United States according to “U.S. News & World Report Magazine” as of Sept. 9.

Although Chico State is known for its party lifestyle among other campuses, Chico has been ranked in the top 10 of the U.S. News rankings since 1998.

This ranking is based on the assessments of students, graduation and retention rates, financial aid and student selectivity. In addition to these recognitions, Chico State was ranked 28 out of 233 universities in “Washington Monthly’s” Best Bang for the Buck.

“Chico’s reputation shouldn’t change how the students attending are viewed,” said Jerad Prevost, junior public administration major. “It’s a scholarly environment that inhibits advantages and adversities, but ultimately gives students a place to learn and develop personally.”

The focus of the reputation should steer away from the “party scene” and focus more on the other opportunities and achievements Chico State offers and has accomplished.

Carly Plemons can be reached at [email protected] or @plemnz on Twitter.