CSU Campuses Lead California in Economic Mobility Rankings

The California Mobility Index has identified several California State University (CSU) campuses as leaders in promoting upward economic mobility for low- and middle-income students. CSU Los Angeles, Dominguez Hills, Stanislaus, Bakersfield, and Fresno topped the rankings, with other CSU campuses like Fullerton, Long Beach, Northridge, and Cal Poly Pomona also performing well. This index, developed by the College Futures Foundation and HEA Group, evaluates institutions based on the percentage of Pell Grant recipients, average earnings of graduates within a decade, and the out-of-pocket costs for students. Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president of the College Futures Foundation, emphasized the need to highlight institutions that serve low-income Californians rather than focusing solely on wealthier institutions. The findings showcase the significant impact of these universities on students' socioeconomic status and underscore the value of affordable education. Overall, the rankings serve as a testament to CSU's commitment to enhancing economic mobility in California.