What Are the Best Cal State Schools?
The California State University (CSU) system is the nation’s largest four-year public university system and one of its most diverse. It is well known throughout the state and country for its high-quality academic programs and successful alumni. The system features 23 universities, seven off-campus centers, and more than 460,000 students.
CSU schools are some of the best in the state for economic mobility, particularly for low-income students. But within the system, are there some that are better than others? In this guide, we’ll rank the five best Cal State schools to help you fight the one that works best for you.
Cal State Schools Ranked
It’s important to remember that the “best” school depends on you, your preferences, and your academic and career goals. We used factors like reputation, education quality, and financial aid to determine our rankings.
Here are the five best Cal State schools, with average net price, acceptance rate, and total student enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES):
1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- Avg. Annual Net Price (2022-2023): $16,888
- Acceptance Rate (Fall 2023): 30%
- Total Student Enrollment (Fall 2023): 22,485
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) combines rigorous academics with real-world practices to help prepare students for successful careers. It emphasizes innovative, hands-on learning and is a leading institution in science and technology.
According to the university, within nine months of graduation, 95% of Cal Poly students are employed or attending graduate school. Explore Cal Poly’s net price calculator to learn how much it could cost you.
2. San Diego State University
- Avg. Annual Net Price (2022-2023): $19,500
- Acceptance Rate (Fall 2023): 34%
- Total Student Enrollment (Fall 2023): 39,241
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university with a star-studded list of alumni, including Ellen Ochoa, Gregory Peck, Joseph Straczynski, and Julie Kavner. It has 18 athletic teams and receives $230 million in research funding.
SDSU offers a BA/MS 4+1 Degree Program where students can earn a BA in international business and an MS in global business development in five years.
3. California State University, Long Beach
- Avg. Annual Net Price (2022-2023): $9,731
- Acceptance Rate (Fall 2023): 47%
- Total Student Enrollment (Fall 2023): 40,278
California State University, Long Beach has a beautiful 322-acre campus, which is the second largest in the CSU system. It is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 19 to 1, and you can choose from 190+ academic programs in areas such as education, business, engineering, and the arts.
4. California State University, Fullerton
- Avg. Annual Net Price (2022-2023): $6,283
- Acceptance Rate (Fall 2023): 87%
- Total Student Enrollment (Fall 2023): 41,962
California State University, Fullerton is a public research university with 55 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree programs. It is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
At Fullerton, students can get their bachelor’s or master’s degrees in subjects such as anthropology, art, biology, or chemistry.
5. California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles topped the College Futures Foundation’s California Mobility Index for four-year institutions that create the most economic mobility for students. That is, this index evaluates schools on the proportion of low- and moderate-income students they enroll as well as the return on investment those institutions provide for students within the state.
This public research university in the second-biggest city in the country features notable alumni, including Rep. Maxine Waters, Billie Jean King, and Octavia Butler. The vibrant campus is located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles.
It is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
List of All CSU Schools
Cal State schools vary greatly in size, with student bodies ranging from less than 1,000 to over 40,000. Acceptance rates also vary widely from 30% to 99%.
Want to compare your top CSU schools? Here’s an overview of enrollment rates, costs, acceptance, and number of applicants, with data from the NCES.
Cal State Schools
| School⇅ | Total Student Enrollment (Fall 2023)⇅ | Avg. Annual Net Price (2022-2023)⇅ | Acceptance Rate (Fall 2023)⇅ | Number of Applicants (Fall 2023)⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Bakersfield | 9,787 | $6,567 | 88% | 13,950 |
| California State University, Channel Islands | 5,688 | $10,931 | 93% | 10,082 |
| California State University, Chico | 14,523 | $15,187 | 94% | 22,263 |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | 15,181 | $4,438 | 91% | 19,040 |
| California State University, East Bay | 13,333 | $10,874 | 97% | 13,274 |
| California State University, Fresno | 23,986 | $7,303 | 96% | 20,201 |
| California State University, Fullerton | 41,962 | $6,283 | 87% | 48,591 |
| California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt | 6,156 | $13,837 | 99% | 14,019 |
| California State University, Long Beach | 40,278 | $9,731 | 47% | 79,680 |
| California State University, Los Angeles | 25,080 | $4,551 | 92% | 32,748 |
CSU vs. UC
The two public California college systems, the University of California (UC) and CSU, offer valuable education opportunities. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of academic programs available, affordability, and school location. Consider your own academic and professional goals and do your research when deciding which system is the best fit for you.
UC schools, which include UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, and UCLA, typically offer a more stereotypical college atmosphere (like you often see in Hollywood movies) and have lower acceptance rates.
They are known for their strength in research and STEM programs and academic prestige. However, they tend to be more expensive and have higher tuition fees than CSU schools.
Universities in the CSU system are known for their diverse student body, professional programs, and practical, career-focused missions. CSU programs often emphasize real-world training and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cal State Schools
Transferring from a Cal State school to a UC school is possible, but not all classes will meet UC’s requirements.
You can get more information from Assist, California’s official course transfer system. You should also speak with an academic advisor to learn more about your specific circumstances.
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