News Summary
Cal State Fullerton has been recognized for its affordability and student success, ranking No. 5 among the best colleges in the West. The university anticipates an enrollment of over 44,000 students for the upcoming academic year, including a substantial number of first-time and transfer students. With over 100 academic programs and notable rankings for online programs, CSUF is committed to fostering accessibility and excellence in education, particularly for Hispanic students, while preparing them for leadership in a global marketplace.
Fullerton, CA – Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) has received top rankings in affordability and student success as part of the latest national surveys, further solidifying its reputation as a leading institution in higher education. The university anticipates enrollment of over 44,000 students for the fall semester of the 2025-26 academic year, including around 7,000 first-time, first-year students and over 4,500 new transfer students.
Washington Monthly recently recognized CSUF with a No. 5 ranking out of 197 colleges on its 2025 list of America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges: West. This marks a significant improvement from the university’s previous rankings, where it was placed No. 16 in 2024 and No. 19 in 2023. The publication assessed a total of 1,421 colleges across the United States based on criteria such as access, affordability, outcomes, and service, with a focus on institutions that enable students to earn valuable degrees at affordable tuition rates while encouraging economic and social mobility.
Among the accolades, CSUF also achieved the No. 12 ranking on the “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” list, which highlights the university’s affordability and the low debt burden for its graduates. Furthermore, the institution was ranked No. 22 on the America’s Best Hispanic-Serving Colleges list, reflecting its commitment to the performance and social mobility of Hispanic students.
Demographics and Academic Programs
The significance of CSUF’s efforts to support Hispanic students is underscored by the fact that they represented 80% of the national increase in degree attainment between 2017 and 2022. Projections indicate that the number of Hispanic high school graduates is expected to rise by 16% by 2041, emphasizing the importance of accessible higher education.
As the largest university in the California State University (CSU) system and the only campus in Orange County, CSUF offers over 100 academic degree programs designed to cater to a diverse student body. Known for its innovative educational practices, the university has been recognized nationally for supporting student success through collaborative faculty-student research, dynamic study abroad opportunities, and competitive internship programs.
Recognition for Online Programs
In addition to its impressive rankings for affordability and student success, CSUF’s online programs have gained recognition as well. U.S. News & World Report highlighted CSUF’s online engineering and non-MBA business graduate programs among the best in California for 2025. Specifically, the university’s online engineering and computer science graduate programs rank No. 28 nationally and No. 3 in California, while the online Master of Science in Information Technology business program holds a No. 29 national ranking and is also third in California.
Supporting Students in Their Academic Journeys
CSUF emphasizes the flexibility of its online educational offerings, enabling students to effectively balance work and life commitments while pursuing their degrees. The university’s commitment to first-generation and underrepresented students also aligns with its mission to prepare all students to become leaders in a competitive global marketplace.
The latest rankings and accolades highlight CSUF’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education that fosters both academic achievement and financial stability for its students, positioning the university as a significant player in the landscape of higher education in the U.S.
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Additional Resources
- Newswise: Washington Monthly Names Cal State Fullerton
- Wikipedia: California State University
- Newswise: U.S. News & World Report Names CSUF
- Google Search: Cal State Fullerton
- Fullerton Observer: Fullerton Recognized in SmartAsset’s 2025 Ranking
- Google Scholar: Cal State Fullerton
- OC Register: UC Irvine Beats Cal State Fullerton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cal State Fullerton
- Fullerton Titans: Isaiah Emerson Wins Big West Track Athlete of the Week
- Google News: Cal State Fullerton
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.
