The Spotted Tail fire was caused by a lightning strike on July 26 about seven miles (11 km) south of Chadron.

The Pine Ridge escarpment south of the college, including C-Hill, was deforested as a result of the fire.

[citation needed] The 281-acre (114 ha) campus has 25 major buildings, five of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Multiple buildings have been renovated since 2004, including Joseph Sparks Hall, which houses administrative and alumni offices; Edna Work Hall, a dormitory; the former Administration Building, now called Old Admin, which houses academic programs and classrooms; and Don Beebe Stadium, including the rebuilt Con Marshall Press Box and Elliott Field.

[citation needed] Chadron State College is the only four-year and graduate-degree granting college in western Nebraska; it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission with some programs and academic units also accredited by discipline-specific organizations.

[citation needed] Through its distance learning programs, the college provides off-campus and online services throughout western Nebraska.

Courses are available each semester in Scottsbluff at Western Nebraska Community College or the Panhandle Education Center.