News Summary
The California State University (CSU) system has been recognized in Money’s Best Colleges list, with 15 campuses ranking in the top 10% for affordability and social mobility. With a commitment to accessible education, CSU supports diverse populations, particularly low-income and minority students. The system is noted for its broad acceptance rates and low in-state tuition, aiming to improve graduation rates and minimize equity gaps. Chancellor Mildred García envisions CSU as a national model for quality education while focusing on student career outcomes.
Long Beach, California – The California State University (CSU) system has earned notable recognition in Money’s Best Colleges list for the 2025-2026 academic year, with 15 of its 23 campuses ranking in the top 10% of institutions for affordability and social mobility. This achievement highlights CSU’s commitment to providing accessible higher education to a diverse population of students, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds.
Of the campuses, nine received the highest commendation with 5-star ratings, which comprise nearly 25% of all 5-star colleges in the list. With approximately 460,000 undergraduates enrolled, the CSU system represents a significant portion of college-educated Americans, equivalent to one in every 20 individuals.
In addition to achieving high rankings in affordability, CSU is recognized for its broad acceptance rates, with most campuses admitting over 90% of applicants. Only two campuses reported acceptance rates below 40%, while one campus did not receive a rating due to having insufficient enrollment figures. In-state tuition for CSU campuses remains notably low, at less than $7,000 per year, and the average net price for students after financial aid is under $15,000 annually. This figure is substantially lower than the national average of $24,000.
For students hailing from families earning less than $48,000, tuition costs can range from $3,000 to $7,000 per year, showcasing CSU’s focus on affordability. The colleges also demonstrate a commitment to enhancing graduation rates, showcasing positive value-added graduation rates that surpass expectations based on student socioeconomic backgrounds. For instance, CSU Dominguez Hills reports a six-year graduation rate of nearly 69%, which exceeds predictions for similar institutions by a substantial margin.
The incorporation of economic mobility measures in Money’s methodology further emphasizes CSU’s effectiveness in promoting student success. CSU Los Angeles achieved the highest score in Thirdway’s Economic Mobility Index for 2024, with 16 other CSU campuses also ranking within the top 50.
Even amid accomplishments, challenges persist, particularly in graduation success rates for certain demographic groups. The CSU system’s Graduation Initiative 2025 aimed to enhance graduation rates and minimize equity gaps among students. While progress has been made—evidenced by the increase in the four-year completion rate from 19% in 2015 to 36% last year, resulting in an additional 160,000 graduates—there remains work to be done.
Focused interventions, including improvements in data tracking and advising, have played a vital role in supporting students through their educational journeys. Moving forward, CSU is looking to implement new initiatives that prioritize student career outcomes and internship opportunities to better equip graduates for the workforce.
Chancellor Mildred García has set forth a vision for the CSU system to become a national model of quality education and student accessibility. As the institution continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to affordability and social mobility remains at the forefront of its mission to serve students across California.
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Additional Resources
- Money: California State University Schools Best Colleges
- Los Angeles Times: New Ranking of California Colleges
- Fox 5 San Diego: San Diego Universities in Best Colleges List
- Fresno State News: Fresno State Ranks High in Social Mobility
- Best Colleges: California State Schools Rankings
- Wikipedia: California State University
- Google Search: California College Rankings
- Google Scholar: California State University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Colleges
- Google News: California College Achievements
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
