The Princeton Review has named Stanislaus State one of the nation’s Best Value Colleges for 2025, recognizing the University for offering one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) in higher education.
The list, released Tuesday, June 24, names 209 public and private colleges that deliver strong academics, affordable cost and exceptional career outcomes. The University earned a standout ROI rating of 87 out of 99 and was celebrated for its affordability, academic strength and student-centered approach.
This marks the first time Stan State has been included on The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges list, making the University one of only 68 public institutions and the sole California State University campus to appear this year. In addition, Stan State is the only institution serving the Central Valley recognized on this year’s list.
In addition to being named a Best Value College, Stan State earned spots on two of The Princeton Review’s Top 20 public school lists:
- No. 9 – Best Schools for Making an Impact
- No. 19 – Best Schools for Financial Aid
The rankings are based on scores drawn from more than 40 data points related to academic quality, affordability and career preparation. Out of more than 650 colleges and universities surveyed, only 209 earned the highest ratings and were named to the 2025 list. Details regarding the methodology are available on The Princeton Review’s website.
“This recognition from The Princeton Review is yet another powerful testament to Stanislaus State’s excellence in delivering accessible, high-quality, higher education,” said President Britt Rios-Ellis. “It affirms the intentional, equity-centered work happening every day on our Turlock and Stockton campuses, which serve Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties and the broader Central Valley.
“Being named one of the top public institutions for making an impact speaks directly to our mission to uplift students, their families and communities through a higher education experience that is truly life-changing – not only for them, but for generations to come.”
That mission resonates deeply with Stan State’s student body: More than 70% of students are the first in their families to attend college.
For 21 years, the Best Value Colleges list has recognized institutions that combine academic strength with a strong ROI for students.
“The schools on our Best Value Colleges list this year are truly exceptional,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review. “They offer outstanding academics and excellent career services. They also demonstrate extraordinary commitments to affordability via generous financial aid and/or comparatively low sticker prices. We commend them for all that they do to help students afford to attend them and we recommend them highly to college applicants.”
This latest recognition adds to the growing list of national accolades for Stan State, which continues to rank among the top universities in the country for social mobility, ROI and student achievement.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Stan State No. 3 in the nation for social mobility in fall 2024. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked the University No. 2 for social mobility, No. 9 best public college and No. 10 for best value. Earlier this year, the College Futures Foundation and the HEA Group ranked Stan State No. 3 on the California Mobility Index for propelling low-income students into the middle class and beyond.
“This distinction is not just about rankings — it reflects the continued strength of Stan State’s collective impact,” Rios-Ellis said. “As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution and an emerging Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Our dedicated faculty and staff treat students like familia, creating a culture where care and respect plant the seeds of success in every Warrior’s journey.
“We are honored to help drive the Central Valley’s rise and proud to serve as a national model for expanding opportunity and delivering excellence.”
