SSU makes strong showing in Money.com ‘Best Colleges’ list, other rankings
Sonoma State University has earned multiple recognitions in Money.com’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings, placing as a Best College overall and with added recognition as a Best Public College, a Best College in the West, and a Best College with High Acceptance Rates.
Money.com’s rankings are just a few of many that have included Sonoma State over the past three years. SSU is nationally ranked in the following areas:
CSU Rankings
- #3 in two-year graduation rate for transfers
- #3 in four-year graduation rates for transfers
- #3 in four-year graduation rate for first-time first-year students
- #9 in six-year graduation rate for first-time first-year students
Academic Excellence & Recognition
- 2024 Hawkins Grant Recipient – Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to expand teacher diversity and retention efforts
- 2024 Cal State Equity Champion – Recognized for advancing Black student success across the CSU system
- No. 25 – Best Regional Universities (West) – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- No. 14 – Top Public Schools (West) – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- No. 36 – Top Performers on Social Mobility – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- No. 26 – Best Bang for the Buck (West) – Washington Monthly, 2024
- Top 100 for Bachelor's Degrees to Hispanic/Latino Students – Hispanic Outlook, 2022–23
Campus Life & Housing
- No. 1 – Best College Dorms in the CSU – Niche.com, 2025
- No. 4 – Best College Dorms in California – University Magazine, 2024
- No. 34 – Most Beautiful Campuses in the U.S. – TheBestColleges.org
Value & Affordability
- 2025 Best Colleges in America – Money.com
- 2025 Best Public Colleges – Money.com
- 2025 Best Colleges in the West – Money.com
- 2025 Best Colleges with High Acceptance Rates – Money.com
Social Mobility & Inclusion
- No. 29 – California Mobility Index – College Futures Foundation, 2025
“Sonoma State’s academic excellence, outstanding environment, and affordability stand out among universities in California and throughout the U.S.,” said Emily F. Cutrer, SSU Interim President. “As we embark on new initiatives, the university will continue to be a competitive and accessible institution for students in California and beyond.”