The Honorary Doctorate Award was established in 1987 to recognize alumni and friends of the college for their support to the institution or for outstanding achievement in their career or as a community volunteer.

Distinguished Service Awards may be presented annually at CSC commencements. Recipients must have demonstrated exceptional service to Chadron State College through their volunteer or leadership efforts.

Recipients of this award must have attended CSC for at least two years or earned at least 60 hours and have demonstrated exceptional service to the college and/or distinguished themselves in their career or their community through volunteer efforts.

Distinguished Young Alumnus Awards may be presented annually at Homecoming to no more than four young alumni of CSC. The recipients must be 40 years of age or younger at the time of nomination or have graduated no more than 20 years earlier from Chadron State. Recipients must have shown exceptional service to the college through volunteer effort and/or have distinguished themselves in their chosen career and/or have demonstrated active involvement in their community.

The Family Tree Award is presented annually at Family Day or Homecoming to families with a tradition of attending CSC. The recipient family must include a minimum of three generations of graduates. At least two of the family members must have a record of outstanding service to the college, the alumni association, their community and/or their profession.