Cal State Campuses Dominate Money’s 2025 Best Colleges List

California State University has once again made a significant impact on Money’s latest Best Colleges list. With fifteen out of twenty-three campuses ranking in the top 10%, it’s clear that the Cal State system is excelling in providing quality education. What’s even more impressive is that nine of these campuses have received a 5-star rating, the highest on Money’s scale. This year, nearly a quarter of the 5-star colleges on the Best Colleges list are Cal State institutions, showcasing their dedication to serving and graduating low-income and minority students.

One of the key strengths of the Cal State system is its affordability and accessibility. With most campuses accepting upwards of 90% of applicants and in-state tuition costing less than $7,000 a year, these schools are making higher education attainable for a broader population. In fact, Cal State currently enrolls around 460,000 undergraduates, making it a significant player in the American education landscape.

Chancellor Mildred García emphasizes the impact of the system’s scale in serving students and communities. The success of the Cal State schools on Money’s list is attributed to their affordability, value-added measures, and focus on economic mobility. These institutions are not only graduating more students than predicted but also providing opportunities for lower-income students to earn more than they paid for their degree.

While the Cal State system has seen remarkable progress, there are still challenges to overcome. Funding remains a concern, and many students struggle to afford living expenses while enrolled. The system is also working to raise graduation rates and close equity gaps, particularly for Black students and Pell Grant recipients.

Despite these challenges, the Cal State system is committed to enhancing student success and career outcomes. The Graduation Initiative 2025 aims to increase completion rates and prepare students for the workforce. By focusing on providing paid internships and tracking graduates’ career transitions, Cal State hopes to become a national model for delivering quality, accessible education.

As the system continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of students, Chancellor García remains optimistic about the future. By prioritizing student success and career readiness, the Cal State system is poised to make a lasting impact on higher education in the United States.