Cal State Fullerton is among the top 10 colleges in the nation for social mobility, according to The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s 2026 Best Colleges in the United States for Social Mobility ranking.
At No. 10, CSUF rose from its previous No. 11 spot last year. The list recognizes such factors as the percentage of students from lower-income families, high graduation rates and the median salaries of graduates.
CSUF also rose to No. 13 on the journal’s 2026 Best Value ranking from its No. 17 ranking last year. The university ranks No. 65 overall among the journal’s Best U.S. Colleges in the U.S., climbing 20 spots from its previous No. 85 ranking.
The ranking this year rated more than 580 U.S. institutions that have showcased positive outcomes for students and alumni. The best colleges ranking scores institutions on such measures as graduates’ salaries, graduation rates, learning opportunities, career preparation and inclusion of students with lower family earnings.
The list also ranks schools based on the median salaries of alumni and how quickly those earnings can cover the estimated cost of a degree. It takes into consideration how much a school improves students’ chances of graduating and future earnings, as well as feedback from students on college life.