CSU Stanislaus featured in Princeton Review's "Best 366 Colleges"

California State University, Stanislaus is included in the elite circle of top higher education institutions that are featured in the Princeton Review's annual "Best 366 Colleges" guidebook which went on sale nationwide today (August 21).

The New York-based company known for its highly touted educational publications and services has for the first time selected CSU Stanislaus for inclusion in the upcoming 2008 edition of its popular publication which recognizes the country's top colleges and universities. CSU Stanislaus has also gained high rating recognition this year as one of the top public universities in the country in the U.S. News & World Report "America's Best Colleges" rankings which were released on August 20.

"These are significant achievements for California State University, Stanislaus, because getting to the top of these rankings is very competitive and prospective students and their parents take them very seriously," CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani said. "The University's faculty and staff can take pride in this recognition because they have helped CSU Stanislaus develop a reputation as one of the best universities in the country."

Only about 10 percent of the colleges in America are included in the "Best 366 Colleges" guidebook, according to Robert Franek, Vice President/Publishing for The Princeton Review. Selected colleges vary by region, size, selectivity, and character, but each one is an outstanding institution that The Princeton Review recommends to readers and users of its website.

Criteria for selection include academic programs and other offerings, institutional data collected from the schools, and the opinions of students, parents, and educators contacted and surveyed.

Earlier this year, CSU Stanislaus drew more national notice for its excellence with inclusion in the new Princeton Review edition of "America's Best Value Colleges." The annual guide compiled by the New York-based education services company profiles the country's top 165 colleges chosen for their excellent academics, generous financial aid packages, and relatively low costs. In their narrative profile on CSU Stanislaus in the Best Values publication, The Princeton Review's editors commend the University for its diverse student population, high student retention rates boosted by a network of on-campus resources that recognize the large number of first-generation college students and an emphasis on welcoming students, accessible professors, consistent advising, and supportive administrators.

Media Contacts:
CSU Stanislaus: Kristin Olsen, 209-667-3610, kmolsen@csustan.edu
Princeton Review Books: Jeanne Krier, 212-539-1350, jeannek@jeannekrier.com