Cal State Long Beach Among 'Best Colleges in America'

In new college ratings released Thursday by Money, Cal State Long Beach is recognized as one of the “Best Colleges in America,” earning 4.5 out of 5 stars in the online publication’s reimagined college rating system. 

Money this year retired its numbered rankings, instead adopting a star-rating approach based on dozens of data points including graduation rates, net cost of attendance, and alumni earnings to highlight institutions that combine quality and affordability. 

"We're pleased that Money continues to recognize Cal State Long Beach as a top university in the country," said President Jane Close Conoley. "These affirmations of the strength of our academic programs and our student outcomes help confirm the value of a Beach education and the power of a Beach degree."  

In their accompanying write-up, Money notes that the cost of attendance at The Beach is "lower than the median net price of all the schools Money rated this year (pretty impressive for a college located in one of the most expensive parts of the world)." 

Money’s analysis also notes that CSULB’s “six-year graduation rate (81%) is well above the average of all the schools we rated this year, so it’s clear that CSULB students find it a good fit.” 

In other recent rankings, The Beach was recognized for its impact in advancing social mobility for its alumni, placing No. 3 nationally as a top performer on social mobility by U.S. News and No. 4 nationally in CollegeNET’s Social Mobility Index.