Cal State Fullerton earned the No. 5 slot out of 197 colleges on Washington Monthly’s 2025 list of America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges: West, moving up from No. 16 in 2024 and No. 19 in 2023.
Washington Monthly ranked 1,421 United States colleges on access, affordability, outcomes and service. The annual list highlights schools by region that not only help students gain valuable degrees for an affordable tuition, but also provide an education that is more likely to improve their economic and social mobility.
The California State University system campuses comprise 13 of the top 20 universities in the West on the list published as part of its annual College Guide and Rankings.
Affordability and low debt for graduates secured Cal State Fullerton’s ranking of No. 12 on Washington Monthly’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars list.
CSUF also received a No. 22 ranking on the America’s Best Hispanic-Serving Colleges, which focuses on social mobility and performance of Hispanic students in higher education.
Hispanic students made up 80 percent of increases in the nation’s degree attainment between 2017 and 2022. Numbers of Hispanic high school graduates are projected to increase by 16 percent by 2041.
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers more than 100 degree programs and Division I athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. Visit fullerton.edu.