Stanislaus State named to Princeton Review’s Best Colleges List for 20th year

Stanislaus State University earned a spot on The Princeton Review’s Best 391 Colleges for 2026 list. The institution is one of two California State University campuses, alongside San Diego State University, to make the list.

The ranking methodology is based on an 89-question student survey having respondents rank their school’s academics, administration, college life, their peers and themselves. Students numerically and qualitatively ranked their schools in each subcategory. An average of 430 students per school responded to the survey.

Princeton ranks the top 25 colleges in 50 categories. Stan State was ranked ninth nationally among “Top 20 Best Public Schools for Making an Impact.” The list was based on student ratings of on-campus engagement, including student government, sustainability and community service.

“We spend a lot of time deepening our relationships and ourselves and developing our small overlapping communities,” one Stanislaus State student wrote in a survey.

The institution also appeared on other ranking lists, including Best West, Green Colleges, Best Health Services and Top 20 Best Schools for Financial Aid (Public Schools). The ranking also highlighted a low student-faculty ratio and a diverse student population based on student feedback.

Professors “work hard to make sure that the students’ needs are met and that they are getting the guidance they need to succeed,” one student wrote in a survey.

The Princeton Review’s profile of Stan State provides a detailed guide for prospective students and families by breaking down costs, financial aid and student outcome data, alongside written feedback.

The ranking of the Turlock university, which has a Stockton satellite campus, follows a five-star ranking by Money.com in July. Money.com highlighted the institution’s location, designation as a Hispanic-serving institution and its return on investment.

“Being named to The Princeton Review’s ‘Best Colleges’ list for 20 consecutive years is a testament to the collective dedication of our Stan State community and our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable education that empowers students from across the Central Valley,” Stan State’s Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing Rosalee Rush said in an emailed statement.

This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 10:23 AM.