Degree Choices ranks CSUB among best western colleges

Several university programs also recognized in 2024 Best Colleges rankings

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 24^th, 2023

Degree Choices has recognized California State University, Bakersfield as one of the best colleges in the western United States.

The company listed CSUB No. 16 in western colleges as part of its 2024 Best Colleges rankings. Some of the university’s degree programs also ranked high in national lists, including No. 9 in criminal justice, No. 19 in psychology and No. 37 in the Master of Social Work program.

Degree Choices is a company that provides career and financial advice to prospective students. The goal of its Best Colleges rankings is to help students determine whether they will receive a good return on their educational investment.

Degree Choices primarily used data from two U.S. Department of Education programs — the College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System — to determine its rankings.

The data is used to measure how long it takes the average student to pay back their school costs and how those costs compare to the earnings they can expect after leaving school. They also compare student earnings across different schools.

Degree Choices recognized CSUB earlier this year by ranking the university No. 7 out of all Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) in the state and No. 17 nationally.

The university has also received high rankings for return on investment from other outlets this year, including:

No. 10 in Best Bang for the Buck: West by Washington Monthly.
No. 20 nationwide in Education Reform Now’s 2023 Social Mobility Elevator rankings.
No. 22 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by the U.S. News and World Report.