Fresno State is one of seven California State University campuses ranked among the nation’s top colleges and universities based on a new criteria proposed by the White House that emphasizes accessibility, affordability and completion. TIME Magazine ranked Fresno State No. 21 after collecting data from 2,500 institutions and assessing each school based on graduation rates, tuition and the percentage of Pell Grant recipients.

“This ranking affirms that Fresno State provides a quality education that is accessible to academically eligible students in our region,” said Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro. “We will continue to prioritize investments that enhance our students’ success in graduating in a timely way.”

Other members of the CSU system included in the rankings are Cal State Long Beach (No. 10), CSU Stanislaus (No. 22), CSU Dominguez Hills (No. 29), CSU San Bernardino (No. 30), CSU Bakersfield (No. 39) and Cal State Northridge (No. 59).

“Increasing college opportunities for low-income students has been at the forefront of the CSU’s mission and we are proud to be nationally recognized for providing an affordable, accessible and high-quality education,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. “TIME Magazine’s ranking highlights the value we provide to our students and the CSU’s dedication to advancing academic success and improving graduation rates.”

At Fresno State, more than $128 million in financial aid was distributed to 12,430 full-time undergraduate students in 2012-13. Of this, more than $49 million was allotted in Pell Grants.

The rating system is intended to provide prospective students and their families with information to help them select schools that provide the best value. The Obama administration plans to link the institution’s performance with federal financial aid disbursements.

To view the full rankings, visit Time.com. For more information on the CSU system, including financial aid, visit Facts about the CSU.

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