Money magazine ranked California State University, Long Beach the 13th best college for your money, and the 10th best public school in the country. The ranking compared 727 universities in the nation. Cal State Long Beach ranked the highest when compared with other CSU campuses, and fared seventh among UCs.
“I am so proud to serve with our faculty and staff who are recognized for high impact educational experiences that prepare students for journeys to success and accelerate their socioeconomic mobility,” said CSULB President Jane Close Conoley.
“Each year we work to increase diversity while removing barriers to equity of opportunity, retention and graduation while providing superior teaching, research, creative activity and action for the public good. This ranking is testament to the dedication of our entire academic and extended community.”
To determine its ranking, Money examined six-year graduation rates, student-to-instructor ratios, the outcomes of Pell Grant recipients and affordability among other criteria.
“College is the ultimate investment, and our Best Colleges franchise gives us an opportunity to connect with families leading up to one of their most significant financial milestones,” says Editorial Director of Money.com and Finance Content Strategy Adam Auriemma. “Higher education is a hot topic, and with more options than ever, we offer insight into educational quality, affordability and alumni success, and we help guide students in the right direction.”
Described as “one of the best bargains in education,” Money magazine focused on Cal State Long Beach having strong departments in practical subjects including healthcare administration, accounting and engineering – areas where students are more likely to get high paying jobs after graduating.
The ranking also focused on the number of low-income students who become upper middle class (38 percent) and percentage of students in need who receive grants (80 percent).
Last year CSULB ranked 22 on this list, this ranking moves the campus up nearly ten slots in the ranking.