16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Report Card National rankings have adjusted to help answer the question: Is college worth it? By Vanya Quiñones FORUM For many years, national college rankings placed the highest value on exclusivity. Measures such as acceptance rates, standardized test scores and the size of endowments determined placement. Such measures reflected prestige but did not provide students with a clear understanding of whether they would be supported, finish on time or succeed after graduation. Over the last five years, major ranking organizations have shifted their focus toward factors that matter most for students and families, including graduation rates, student debt levels and post-graduation earnings. The shift is especially significant at a time when students and families across the country are asking an important question: Is higher education worth it? National rankings now play a greater role in demonstrating the value of a university education. CSU Monterey Bay has always focused on providing affordable access to higher education and ensuring that students follow clear pathways to rewarding careers or advanced degrees. We believe in the power of a degree to transform lives, not only for graduates but also for their families and communities. Academic programs continue to adapt so that they remain aligned with student needs and the demands of the regional economy. And now, rankings are showing it. CSUMB’s strong performance in national rankings reflects a sustained commitment to social mobility and student success. U.S. News & World Report placed CSUMB at number 1 or 2 among Western regional universities for social mobility for three consecutive years. Additional recognition includes placement among the top seven public schools in the West and within the top 11 among all regional universities in the West. A new distinction this year ranked CSUMB at number 8 among best colleges for veterans in the West. Forbes listed CSUMB as number 13 nationwide among mid-sized suburban colleges and number four in California. Washington Monthly placed the university at number 48 nationally for strong outcomes in relation to tuition investment and taxpayer support. Even Carnegie classifications now include an opportunity measure that highlights social mobility and workforce development. Carnegie identified CSUMB as one of only 33 universities in the nation that combine opportunity with research accessibility. National recognition matters. It demonstrates that CSUMB fulfills its promises. The university’s commitment remains strong. CSUMB will continue to prepare graduates who contribute to a thriving regional economy. Through partnerships with employers, internships, research and applied learning, graduates bring skill and leadership to agriculture, health, education, technology, public service and the arts. The university will continue to expand access, advance social mobility and adapt to meet workforce needs so that students, families and communities across the Central Coast prosper together. Vanya Quiñones is the president of CSUMB. OPINION Students are asking: Is higher education worth it? 8106 this weekend sept 26th-28th sport coats outerwear knits trousers trunk show FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375
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