Money Magazine’s Best Colleges ranks Fresno State among the nation’s Top 50 Best Public Colleges and as one of the best four-year universities in the U.S. based on affordability, educational quality and acceptance rate.
Fresno State was among 14 CSU campuses included in Money Magazine’s third annual value ranking of schools released last week.
The University was ranked 106th for affordability out of the 705 colleges and universities selected with a 2016-17 academic year price of $21,800 without aid ($15,700 with average aid). Sixty-nine percent of students receive either need-based or merit aid, and early career earnings were listed at $44,800.
Fresno State and CSU Chico were also named among the nation’s 50 Best Colleges That You Can Actually Get Into.
Dr. Joseph I Castro, Fresno State president, said it’s gratifying to see that Fresno State is included in Money Magazine’s Top 50 Best Public Colleges in the country and is also recognized among schools delivering the most value for students.
“As we fulfill our mission to boldly educate and empower students for success, we are mindful that higher education access and affordability are key components in transforming the lives of individuals and the communities of Central California,” Castro said. “Faculty, staff and administrators at Fresno State will continue our bold initiatives and collaboration with community partners to prepare students to serve and to lead in the Central Valley, the state and beyond.”
Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said, “This speaks volumes about not only our faculty and staff who work diligently to provide a top college education for our students, but also to our entire state college system with 14 campuses being recognized.”
Money reports that its rankings are the first to utilize the most accurate pricing estimates and students’ expected earnings after graduation, plus a breakdown of how much value a college adds. A college’s “value add” is estimated by calculating graduation rates, student loan default rates and post-graduation earnings after adjusting for the types of students it admits.
For a detailed report on the magazine’s methodology, visit Money Magazine.
(Copy by Erika Denise Castañon, University Communications news assistant.)
