CSUSM Among Top Schools in Washington Monthly Rankings

Cal State San Marcos is ranked 73^rd out of 1,421 colleges in Washington Monthly’s “2025 Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars.” Institutions are assessed on accessibility for non-wealthy students, affordability, academic and financial outcomes post-graduation, and promotion of public service. 

Using the same ranking criteria, CSUSM is also 16^th out of 585 colleges in Washington Monthly’s “2025 Master’s University Rankings” for institutions awarding a significant number of master’s degrees.  

CSUSM is 36^th in the “2025 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: West,” which highlights colleges that help non-wealthy students receive degrees at more affordable prices.  

Washington Monthly also included CSUSM in its list of best four-year Hispanic-serving colleges, placing it 26^th out of 50. Collaborating with the nonprofit organization Excelencia in Education, Washington Monthly gathered data on transfer and graduation rates of Hispanic students to determine these rankings. CSUSM has also received the Seal of Excelencia, showcasing the school’s dedication to helping Hispanic students.  

In June, CSUSM received 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars on Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges in America.” 

Media Contact

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