The Cagayan State University at Piat had its beginnings in 1954. It has undergone many different names.
It was founded as the Cagayan National Agricultural School (CNAS) by Mr. Mariano Manaligod, Division Superintendent of Schools of Cagayan with Mr. Antonino A. Perez as Principal.
The then CNAS was converted into a chartered college on June 17, 1961 by virtue of R.A. 3104 sponsored by the Hon. Benjamin T. Ligot, Congressman for the Second District of Cagayan, thus, it became to be known as the Itawes Agricultural College (IAC) with Mr. Antonino A. Perez also as its first President.
Again in 1967, the name was changed to Northern Luzon State College of Agriculture by virtue of R.A. 4893.
An in 1978, the college merged with three other colleges in the province namely, the Cagayan Valley College of Arts and Trades (CVCAT), the Cagayan Valley Agricultural College (CVAC) and Aparri College of Fisheries to form the Cagayan State University (CSU) system by virtue of PD 1436.
The school grew by leaps and bounds, so to speak. From a mere vocational high school, it metamorphosed into a state university, now popularly known as the Cagayan State University at Piat.
The Cagayan State University at Piat shall be the leader institution in tertiary education in Region 02. It shall pursue its academic programs with total commitment to quality education. It shall excel in the sciences, agriculture and technical education that will result in community extension services and productivity.
The University shall provide advanced instruction in the Arts, Agricultural and Natural Sciences as well as in Technological and Professional fields.
The campus at Piat focusing on Agriculture, shall provide professional and technical training that is both excellent and relevant in Agriculture, Agricultural Research, Extension and Entrepreneurship and Teacher Training and Technical Education.
The campus has maintained linkages with other agencies and institutions, both regional and national, which enormously contributed to its physical resources and scholarship programs: This includes the following: