The Most Popular CSU, Ranked

Choose the CSU you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:34
Choosing the right California State University (CSU) can be a challenging decision for prospective students. This list offers insights into which campuses are currently resonating with students and alumni, helping users form a clearer picture of each university's appeal. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic and continually updated ranking. This interactive approach allows future students to see which universities are making a positive impact and why, based on collective user feedback.

What Is the Most Popular CSU?

  1. 1
    94
    votes
    San Diego State University
    Geographer · CC BY 1.0

    San Diego State University

    California State Legislature
    With over 35,000 students, SDSU is the largest university in the California State University system. It is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in business, engineering, and health sciences.
    San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. It is the largest and oldest higher education institution in San Diego County, founded in 1897. SDSU is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life, offering over 190 bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctorate programs.
    • Location: San Diego, California
    • Year Founded: 1897
    • Type: Public
    • Enrollment: Approximately 35,000 students
    • Campus Size: 283 acres
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    California State University, Long Beach
    Summum · CC BY-SA 2.5
    CSULB has consistently been ranked among the top public universities in the West. It is known for its strong programs in the arts, business, and engineering.
    California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a public university located in Long Beach, California. It is one of the largest and most popular campuses within the California State University system. CSULB offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
    • Location: Long Beach, California
    • Year Established: 1949
    • Enrollment: Approximately 37,500 students
    • Campus Size: 322 acres
    • Mascot: Prospector Pete
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    California State University, Fullerton
    Arnold C {Buchanan-Hermit} · Attribution
    CSUF is the second-largest university in the CSU system, with over 40,000 students. It is known for its strong programs in business, nursing, and engineering.
    California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a public university located in Fullerton, California. It was established in 1957 and is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system. CSUF offers over 240 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study.
    • Location: Fullerton, California
    • Established: 1957
    • Type: Public
    • Campus Size: 236 acres
    • Undergraduate Programs: Over 100
  4. 4
    12
    votes
    California State University, Northridge
    Photographer · Public domain

    California State University, Northridge

    California State Legislature
    CSUN is located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley and is known for its strong programs in film, music, and business.
    California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a public university located in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1958, CSUN is part of the California State University system and is widely recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to diversity.
    • Location: Los Angeles, California
    • Established: 1958
    • Type: Public university
    • Campus Size: 356 acres
    • Undergraduate Enrollment: approximately 38,000
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    San Francisco State University
    me · Public domain

    San Francisco State University

    California State Legislature
    SFSU is known for its strong programs in liberal arts, education, and business. It is located in the heart of San Francisco and has a diverse student body.
    San Francisco State University (SFSU) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. Established in 1899, it is part of the California State University (CSU) system. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines.
    • Location: San Francisco, California
    • Established: 1899
    • Type: Public
    • Affiliation: California State University (CSU) system
    • Undergraduate Programs: Over 80
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
    Gregg Erickson (Farwestern) · Public domain
    Cal Poly SLO is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and architecture. It is located on the Central Coast of California and has a beautiful campus.
    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. It is one of the most popular campuses within the California State University (CSU) system, known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, technical education, and applied sciences.
    • Founded: 1901
    • Motto: Discere Faciendo (Learn by Doing)
    • Academic Colleges: 6 (Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; Architecture and Environmental Design; Engineering; Liberal Arts; Science and Mathematics; Orfalea College of Business)
    • Total Enrollment: Approximately 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students
    • Campus Size: Approximately 6,000 acres
  7. 7
    8
    votes

    California State University, Sacramento

    California State Legislature
    CSUS is located in the state capital and is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and criminal justice.
    California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), also known as Sacramento State, is a public university located in Sacramento, California. It was established in 1947 as Sacramento State College and became a part of the California State University (CSU) system in 1960. It is one of the most popular CSU campuses known for its strong academic programs and diverse student body.
    • Location: Sacramento, California
    • Established: 1947
    • Affiliation: California State University (CSU)
    • Campus Size: 300 acres
    • Mascot: Herky the Hornet
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    California State University, Chico

    California State Legislature
    CSUC is located in Northern California and is known for its strong programs in business, agriculture, and education. It has a beautiful campus and a strong sense of community.
    California State University, Chico (CSU Chico) is a public university located in Chico, California, USA. It is one of the most popular campuses within the California State University (CSU) system. CSU Chico offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to sustainability.
    • Location: Chico, California, USA
    • Type: Public
    • Founded: 1887
    • Campus Size: 119 acres
    • Total Enrollment: Approximately 17,000 students
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    California State University, Fresno
    Bobak Ha'Eri · CC BY 3.0
    CSUF is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley and is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business.
    California State University, Fresno, also known as Fresno State, is a public university located in Fresno, California. It was established in 1911 and is part of the California State University system. Fresno State is known for its strong academic programs, engaged faculty, and commitment to student success.
    • Location: Fresno, California
    • Established: 1911
    • Type: Public university
    • Academic Programs: Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs
    • Faculty: Engaged and experienced teaching staff
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    California State University, San Bernardino
    Amerique · CC BY-SA 3.0

    California State University, San Bernardino

    California State Legislature
    CSUSB is located in the Inland Empire and is known for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. It has a diverse student body and is committed to serving the community.
    California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a public university located in San Bernardino, California. It was established in 1965 and is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system.
    • Location: San Bernardino, California
    • Year Established: 1965
    • Type: Public
    • Campus Size: 430 acres
    • Mascot: Coyote

Missing your favorite CSU?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular CSU

  1. Academic Reputation
    The university's overall academic reputation, quality of faculty, and the research output should be considered.
  2. Admission Selectivity
    The acceptance rate, average GPA, and test scores of incoming students can indicate the competitiveness and quality of the student body.
  3. Graduation Rate
    The percentage of students who complete their degree within a specified time frame can be a good indicator of the university's ability to foster student success.
  4. Retention Rate
    The percentage of first-year students who return for their second year can indicate overall student satisfaction and success at the university.
  5. Financial Resources
    The resources and funding available to the university, including endowments, research grants, and financial aid can impact the quality of education offered.
  6. Campus Facilities
    The quality of the campus facilities, including classrooms, labs, residence halls, and recreational spaces can impact a student's overall experience.
  7. Student-to-Faculty Ratio
    A lower student-to-faculty ratio may result in smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and better opportunities for academic support.
  8. Extracurricular Opportunities
    The availability of clubs, organizations, internships, and study abroad programs can enhance the college experience and contribute to personal and professional growth.
  9. Affordability
    The overall cost of attending the university, including tuition, fees, room and board, and availability of financial aid should be considered.
  10. Post-Graduation Outcomes
    Employment rates, starting salaries, and job placement in relevant fields can indicate how well the university prepares students for their careers.
  11. Geographic Location
    The location of the university, including its proximity to major cities, industries, and research centers, as well as the overall climate and community, may also be a significant factor for some students.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular CSU. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or CSU is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1803 views
  • 214 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each CSU once every 24 hours. The rank of each CSU is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular csu

California State University (CSU) system is one of the largest public university systems in the United States. With 23 campuses spread across the state, it provides affordable, high-quality education to over 480,000 students. Each campus has its unique character, academic programs, and campus culture. Choosing the right CSU can be a daunting task for students who are eager to pursue their higher education. To help ease the decision-making process, we conducted a poll to find out which CSU is the most popular among students. Keep reading to find out the results!

Share this article