Nestled in the heart of Nebraska’s Pine Ridge region, Chadron State College (CSC) is a hidden treasure that has shaped the lives of countless students and it’s the alma mater of a notable political figure you might not have expected.

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Established in 1911, the college serves as a vital educational hub for over 3,000 students and is the only four-year college in western Nebraska.

What makes Chadron State College important?

CSC is located in the rural town of Chadron, Nebraska. It is very close to the border with South Dakota. The aforementioned Pine Ridge region is also shared with the state to the north and is a Native American reservation, encompassing some of the poorest counties in the country.

The college’s 281-acre campus features 25 major buildings, five of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These facilities provide more than a million square feet of space for classrooms, laboratories, and research activities. Among its modern facilities are the Edwin and Avis Nelson Physical Activity Center and the Chicoine Center, which cater to both academic and athletic pursuits. The library houses over 250,000 books.

The Career Scholarship program offers financial assistance ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year, helping students cover tuition and living expenses while gaining valuable career experience through internships.

Despite its size, CSC has fostered notable alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable things. Among them is Tim Walz, who graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education. His journey from this humble college to potentially the White House is a testament to the opportunities that CSC provides.