University Earns Top 10 Spots in Four Categories, Highlighting Its Role as a Leader in the Central Valley and Beyond
September 24, 2024

Stanislaus State’s streak of regional and national recognition shows no signs of slowing as the University once again earned top spots, this time from U.S. News & World Report. 

The national publication released its 2025 Best Colleges rankings Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Stan State landed in the top 10 in four categories as one of the best universities in the Western United States:  

  • No. 3, Social Mobility 
  • No. 5, Top Public School 
  • No. 8, Best Colleges for Veterans 
  • No. 10, Regional Universities 

This year, U.S. News & World Report introduced a new ranking category, Best Value School, and Stan State came in at No. 13.  

“We are incredibly honored by U.S. World News & Report’s latest rankings as they truly capture the heart of what we do at Stanislaus State,” said President Britt Rios-Ellis. “It’s inspiring to see our commitment to academic excellence and student success as a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution being recognized on this level.  

“A Stan State education provides an exceptional return on investment, offering a transformative experience that facilitates student and community empowerment. As our students rise and thrive, they create a lasting impact on their families, their chosen fields and their communities. Being recognized as an overall best university as well as for social mobility and public impact underscores our role as an anchor institution in the Central Valley. I couldn’t be prouder of our Warrior community!” 

“Being recognized as an overall best university as well as for social mobility and public impact underscores our role as an anchor institution in the Central Valley. I couldn’t be prouder of our Warrior community!” 

- President Britt Rios-Ellis

In addition, U.S. News published national rankings of undergraduate nursing programs that offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Stan State was included among the top 400 in the nation.  

Since 1983, U.S. News & World Report has released annual rankings to help college-bound students and their families explore and evaluate universities that align with their goals and best meet their needs. The rankings are based on a range of factors, including retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, peer reviews and financial resources.   

The rankings highlight colleges that excel in critical areas such as value, social mobility, quality of teaching and support for veterans.  

Stan State’s inclusion in U.S. News & World Report’s newest rankings marks the University’s most recent recognition for its academic programs and student success outcomes.  

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked the University No. 24 in the nation on its Best Colleges list. Stan State also earned a spot on Forbes’ 2025 America's Top Colleges list.  

In August, Stan State ranked high on Washington Monthly’s annual “College Guide and Rankings,” landing at No. 4 for “Best Bang for the Buck” and No. 7 for Master’s University Rankings. That same month, The Princeton Review included Stan State on its “Best 390 Colleges” for 2025, marking the University’s 19th consecutive year on the Review’s national list of best colleges.