Princeton Review, Forbes Again Name CSUSB among Best Colleges in U.S.

Two of the nation’s leading educational services companies have again recognized California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) as one of the best universities in the United States. The Princeton Review selected Cal State San Bernardino to its “Best in the West” section of its website feature, “2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region.” CSUSB is among just 124 institutions that The Princeton Review chose for its “Best in the West” list and one of only seven California State University campuses that were included at the Best Regional Colleges Web page. This marks the 10th straight year that the university has been included on the Princeton Review “Best in the West” list, which draws from 15 western states. In total, The Princeton Review named 643 colleges as regional bests throughout the country. Cal State San Bernardino was also named to the 2013 Forbes ranking of “America’s Top Colleges” for the fourth consecutive year. The Forbes list ranks the top 650 of all colleges and universities in the United States, measuring the top 20 percent of all U.S. undergraduate institutions. CSUSB also ranked among Forbes’ top institutions in the West, as well as among the top four-year public institutions in the country. The Forbes rankings were compiled in conjunction with the Center for College Affordability and Productivity from Washington, D.C., using five general categories: student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt, graduation rates, and academic success. “It is a major accomplishment and tremendous honor to be named among the best campuses in the nation, said CSUSB President Tomás Morales. “These kinds of affirmations are usually reserved for the leading private colleges and larger public universities, and we are very proud to be recognized among the country’s most outstanding institutions. Cal State San Bernardino truly is a very special place.” The Princeton Review asked students to rate their own schools on several issues, from the accessibility of their professors to the quality of the campus food, and also to answer questions about themselves, their fellow students and their campus life. “We’re pleased to recommend these colleges to users of our site as the best schools to earn their undergrad degrees,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s senior vice president and publisher. “We chose these as our ‘regional best’ colleges mainly for their excellent academic programs. From several hundred schools in each region, we winnowed our list based on institutional data we collected directly from the schools, our visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of our staff, plus college counselors and advisors whose recommendations we invite. We also take into account what students at the schools reported to us. Only schools that permit us to independently survey their students are eligible to be considered for our regional ‘best’ lists.” The Princeton Review website notes that: “Cal State San Bernardino’s motto is ‘Come here, go anywhere’ and undergrads certainly feel that sentiment rings true. The university provides a ‘great education’ that allows students to ‘discover amazing things about [themselves].’ CSUSB offers a substantial number of majors and students heap praise on the ‘well recognized business program’ as well as the ‘tremendous’ criminal justice program and ‘great’ nursing school.” The Princeton Review also said that professors at CSUSB receive high marks. Students described their professors as “passionate” and “knowledgeable,” teachers here strive to “make sure the material is understood.” Students are also grateful for the enthusiasm their professors bring to class. One junior said, “My professors bring a sense of humor to the classroom, which allows them to be a lot more approachable. They allow me to have fun while I am learning.” The student also said, “Professors want you to do well, and provide resources for students to make it happen.” A math major says, “When a question arises, they [professors] are always willing to explain it thoroughly, so that all students understand.” And one freshman says, “So far my academic experience is far beyond what I had anticipated. It is more than great; it’s amazing.” The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University and it is not a magazine. It is an American-based standardized test preparation and admissions consulting company, based in Framingham, Massachusetts. The Forbes list appears at its “America’s Top Colleges” Web page at www.forbes.com/top-colleges.