Stanislaus State Ranks Among the West’s Best in 2026 U.S. News & World Report

From the heart of the Central Valley, Stanislaus State is proving once again its excellence in the West. The University earned top 10 honors in four categories of the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, highlighting the University's leadership in social mobility, public education, veteran support and value.

Released Tuesday, Sept. 23, the rankings placed Stan State among the top regional universities in the West for:

• No. 3 (tie), Top Performers on Social Mobility
• No. 6, Top Public Schools
• No. 7, Best Colleges for Veterans
• No. 9 (tie), Regional Universities West

The University also ranked No. 26 in Best Value Schools, reflecting its reputation for combining affordability with academic strength - a hallmark of Stan State's mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution committed to transforming the lives of students and communities across the Central Valley.

"This recognition from U.S. News & World Report affirms what we at Stan State already know: that when opportunity meets determination, incredible things happen," said President Britt Rios-Ellis. "Being ranked among the top universities for social mobility, public education and support for veterans is a testament to the transformational power of higher education and to the heart our faculty and staff bring every day to inspire and serve students of every background, especially our first-generation scholars. Their success helps meet the professional workforce needs of our region.

"At Stan State, a college degree uplifts families and communities across the Central Valley. It fuels economic vitality and creates opportunity across generations. These rankings highlight our mission in motion: to open doors, to expand access and to ensure every Warrior is equipped to lead, serve and thrive, right here in the heart of the Valley."

"Being ranked among the top universities for social mobility, public education and support for veterans is a testament to the transformational power of higher education and to the heart our faculty and staff bring every day to inspire and serve students of every background, especially our first-generation scholars."

- President Britt Rios-Ellis

In addition, U.S. News evaluated undergraduate programs nationwide. Stan State's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program placed among the top 300, tied at No. 294, while the University's business, computer science and psychology programs were also included.

Since 1983, U.S. News & World Report has published annual college rankings to help students and families compare institutions and identify schools that align with their goals. This year's rankings evaluated nearly 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 different measures, including graduation and retention rates, faculty resources per student, social mobility, peer assessments and affordability. The methodology also included small adjustments in data weighting to reflect national trends.

For Stan State, these measures spotlight the University's long-standing commitment to student success. Recognition in categories such as social mobility reflects the institution's success in helping students from all backgrounds - many of them first-generation - earn degrees and launch meaningful careers. High placement among best value schools confirms that a Stan State education delivers strong return on investment, equipping graduates to thrive without taking on overwhelming debt.

Stan State's influence extends well beyond campus. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, the University plays a critical role in one of California's fastest-growing and most diverse regions. Stan State prepares graduates who remain rooted in the Central Valley and help build healthier, more resilient communities.

Consistently high rankings in veteran support and social mobility show how Stan State delivers on its mission to serve. Veterans and military-connected students benefit from dedicated resources to transition successfully into civilian careers, while historically underserved students gain access to the support systems they need to persist and graduate.

The 2026 U.S. News recognition adds to the growing list of accolades for the University. Earlier this year, Money.com awarded Stan State a five-star rating for the second consecutive year. In August, Washington Monthly ranked the University No. 4 for "Best Bang for the Buck" in the West and No. 7 among master's universities nationwide. Stan State also appeared on Forbes' Top Colleges list, which evaluates student outcomes, alumni success and institutional strength.