CSUSM Among Nation’s Best in Money’s 2025 List

Cal State San Marcos received 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars on Money magazine's list of “Best Colleges in America" for 2025, which was released last week. 

The list, which includes 732 colleges, showcases the country’s top values, based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.  

For the third year in a row, Money presented its picks on a 5-star scale to demonstrate colleges' relative performance without a numbered ranking, which the magazine says can often overstate small differences between relatively similar schools. 

CSUSM was also on Money's list of “Best Public Colleges,” "Best Colleges in the West" and "Best Colleges with High Acceptance Rates." 

Twenty-two of the 23 California State University schools made the list, including nine that earned five stars. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314