California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State)

Known familiarly as Stan State, CSU Stanislaus is "an uncut gem," offering what students believe to be "the highest level of university education that you can receive for the smallest amount of money." Particularly, the "good student to teacher ratio" enables undergraduates to have better access to their professors and "allows for students to have more support from the teachers." This support extends into ensuring an inclusive education for all types of enrollees by offering "many resources for minority groups, like disabled students, students of color, low-income students, LGBTQ+ students, etc." Undergrads are eager to learn from their "understanding and professional" instructors. The staff's "passion for what they are teaching" shines through, and that extends to the administrative side, thanks to teachers who are "clear on due dates, deadlines, [and] school schedule[s]." Students in the business and nursing programs especially rave about their professors, saying they "work hard to make sure that the students' needs are met and that they are getting the guidance they need to succeed." Competition for a spot in popular programs can be stiff, as "the number of sections and class size for many classes still remains the same" despite a growing student body. Most students agree, however, that regardless of what you end up taking, "Stan State [is] dedicated to [its] students' education."

The student body at Stanislaus State "generally reflects the central valley of California," with "a mix of ages, ethnicities, as well as gender orientations" represented, and "an incredibly high portion of first-generation Latinx students." Many feel that "the student community is a very welcoming and accepting space." Building connections with your fellow peers is one of the best parts of college for many Stan State students. "We spend a lot of time deepening our relationships and ourselves and developing our small overlapping communities." And in getting to know each other, most have only positive things to say about their classmates. "My peers are brilliant; I always enjoyed learning different ways to approach problems," one student writes. Above all, students agree that one of the most special things about their campus is the "diversity among the student body that presents perspectives from hundreds of different life paths, perspectives, and philosophies."

CSU Stanislaus' main Turlock campus is "filled with a homey small-town mentality." Undergrads love the "beautiful and peaceful campus" which "helps students to feel less stressed." Despite being "mostly a commuter campus," many find "the college serves as a hub to bring students together who under normal circumstances would probably never meet." And when they get together, there's a slew of activities, events, and places to choose from, such as the new Student University Center, which boasts "a diner, apparel store, and study spaces for students to go study or just hang out and catch up with others." School spirit is not lacking here, so you might find friends getting together and "go[ing] all out for Warrior Wednesdays," a weekly campus pride event or attending school games. The campus also has "a nice gym with a basketball/volleyball court," and "recreational leagues for tons of different types of sports."

Students looking for non-athletic opportunities can head to Greek Row, where "there are a bunch of booths for various organizations set up that they hang out throughout the day between classes," and "clubs around art and ethnic studies are very interactive and positive with very welcoming energy." One undergrad sums it up nicely, saying, "I do not feel left out because there are so many programs and clubs that interest me and there's something to do for everybody."