Fresno State ranks in top five of new California social mobility index

Fresno State is among the best four-year universities and colleges in California to help improve the economic mobility of low- to moderate-income students through educational opportunities.

The university ranked No. 5 out of 82 universities in the new California Mobility Index published on Feb. 20 by the College Futures Foundation and the HEA Group. Nine out of the top 10 schools are campuses in the California State University system. California State University, Los Angeles ranked No.1 followed by CSU Dominguez Hills, Stanislaus State and CSU Bakersfield. 

“This recognition affirms Fresno State’s vast potential in creating economic and community leaders,” said Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “Our graduates are vital to our Valley’s economy and sense of community. They become business leaders, teachers, engineers, psychologists, artists, nurses and more, impacting every facet of Valley life.”

While many national college rankings look at prestige and wealth, College Futures Foundation set out to recognize institutions that serve low- to moderate-income students, providing them with a strong return on their educational investment to move from one socioeconomic class to another. Economic mobility, also known as social mobility, is a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission, which is to increase college completion for underserved students.

Fresno State has consistently ranked among the best public and private universities nationwide for social mobility, affordability and outcomes.

In October, the university ranked No. 16 in the 2024 Social Mobility Index published by CollegeNet. In September, Fresno State ranked No. 31 for social mobility in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings and No. 4 in the nation for social mobility in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings. In August, the university was No. 22 among the top public and private universities nationally in Washington Monthly’s 2024 annual list of top universities – a ranking based on social mobility, research and service.

Fresno State is one of 25 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose classification which recognizes institutions that have committed to campus-wide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of public goods like justice, equity, diversity and liberty.