How are CSUs Ranked?

My counselor recommended that I consider applying to some California State Universities (CSUs), but I'm not sure how to navigate their rankings. What factors should I consider when comparing them? Appreciate any guidance!

When looking at the California State Universities (CSUs), you'll want to consider a range of factors related to their rankings. However, remember that rankings are only a portion of what makes a university a good fit for you.

One common ranking factor is academic performance, which could include average GPA and acceptance rates. However, since CSUs are test-blind, you won't see standardized test score averages included in their ranking factors for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Another important factor is the strength of specific academic programs. If you know your prospective major or area of study, I recommend researching how well each CSU performs in that specific area. For example, San Diego State University (SDSU) is known for having an excellent business program.

Student outcomes are also an important part of university rankings. This includes graduation rate, career success of recent graduates, and the average starting salary. Look into these factors to get an idea of how successful students from these schools tend to be in their careers post-graduation.

Also, keep in mind considerations like the size of the student body, student-to-faculty ratio, availability of extracurricular activities, and campus culture. These elements might not directly factor into rankings but can significantly affect your college experience.

When it comes to resources to compare CSUs, CollegeVine has a variety of tools to compare colleges on factors like ranking, size, location, campus culture, and even individual majors. These can provide a lot of insight when choosing between CSUs. Always look into these factors and more to ensure a holistic assessment of each CSU you're considering.