Stanislaus State is once again shining on the national stage, ranked among the top five master’s universities in the country and one of the top 15 in the West for value in the Washington Monthly’s “2025 College Guide and Rankings”. The University earned the No. 5 spot nationally in the Master’s Universities category, affirming Stan State’s standing as one of the nation’s leading institutions for access, affordability and student success. Stan State also secured the No. 11 ranking in the West for “Best Bang for the Buck” recognizing universities that help students from historically under-resourced backgrounds earn affordable, career-ready degrees. The Washington Monthly also ranked Stan State No. 15 on its “America’s Best Hispanic-Serving Colleges” list, which highlights universities excelling in both access and outcomes for Latino students.
Stan State joins five other California State University campuses at the top of the Master’s Universities list, a demonstration of the CSU’s collective role in providing accessible high-quality education to students across California and beyond.
In addition to its category rankings, Stan State was ranked No. 23 overall in the nation on the Washington Monthly’s flagship list of “Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars”, which evaluated institutions of all types on access, affordability, outcomes and service.
Since launching its annual rankings in 2005, the Washington Monthly has focused on how colleges and universities serve the public good rather than on measures of wealth or prestige. Unlike traditional rankings that often reward exclusivity, the Monthly’s rankings recognize institutions that open doors — measuring how well colleges serve all students and strengthen their regions. This year, the magazine updated its methodology, moving from three core measures to four equally weighted categories: access, affordability, outcomes and service.
At Stan State, these measures reflect more than numbers — they echo real Warrior journeys. Such as that of Stan State softball player and child development major Karli DalBianco, who interned at Jessica’s House in Turlock, supporting grieving children and families. Her experience shows how Warriors turn their education into action, serving others and uplifting the Central Valley.
By emphasizing the four weighted categories, the Washington Monthly rankings shine a spotlight on universities like Stan State that not only deliver a quality degree but also create meaningful pathways to upward mobility.
The recognition affirms the University’s role as a driver of prosperity in the Central Valley where graduates fuel the regional workforce, strengthen families and communities and contribute to economic growth.
Stan State’s recognition is part of a consistent pattern of excellence. The University has appeared in the Washington Monthly rankings year after year reflecting its sustained commitment to student success, affordability and public service.
Stan State’s inclusion on the Washington Monthly’s annual list adds to the University’s growing accolades.
Earlier this month, The Princeton Review named Stanislaus State among its “Best 391 Colleges” for the 20th consecutive year, while also ranking the University No. 9 nationally among the “Top 20 Best Public Schools for Making an Impact.” In June, The Princeton Review also named Stan State among the nation’s “Best Value Colleges for 2025” highlighting academic excellence, affordability and strong career outcomes.
In July, Money.com awarded Stan State a five-star rating for the second consecutive year placing it among the top colleges in the nation for quality and return on investment.
The University also earned a No. 3 ranking in the California Mobility Index from the College Futures Foundation and the HEA Group, an honor that reinforces Stan State’s role in advancing equitable high-quality education and transformative opportunity.
