About California State University-Stanislaus
Cal State Stanislaus serves as the Central Valley's full university, drawing 8,564 students to its suburban Turlock campus. The school built its reputation on strong teacher preparation and business programs that meet regional workforce needs. Nearly 63% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of California's agricultural heartland. The 96.61% acceptance rate makes this an accessible option for first-generation college students throughout the region.
Students pay an average net price of $5,671 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $3,218. Graduates earn a median of $63,188 ten years after enrollment, creating solid return on investment despite the modest 58% six-year graduation rate. Students typically leave with $13,540 in debt and monthly loan payments of $144. Over 55% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many students from working-class families.
The Warriors compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 246 student-athletes. Women outnumber men two-to-one at 66% of enrollment. Nearly all students come from California, with 99.27% holding in-state residency. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, while the 80% retention rate shows most students stick around after their first year.
Students pay an average net price of $5,671 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $3,218. Graduates earn a median of $63,188 ten years after enrollment, creating solid return on investment despite the modest 58% six-year graduation rate. Students typically leave with $13,540 in debt and monthly loan payments of $144. Over 55% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many students from working-class families.
The Warriors compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 246 student-athletes. Women outnumber men two-to-one at 66% of enrollment. Nearly all students come from California, with 99.27% holding in-state residency. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, while the 80% retention rate shows most students stick around after their first year.
Academics & Faculty
California State University-Stanislaus serves as a regional full university focused on practical career preparation for Central Valley students. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides accessible mentorship in a teaching-focused environment. The school excels in teacher preparation programs, reflecting California's need for bilingual educators given its 62.97% Hispanic enrollment. Business programs attract students seeking affordable pathways to professional careers. The 56.65% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's mission as an access institution rather than a selective research university. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and faculty who prioritize undergraduate instruction over research. Most programs emphasize real-world applications and community engagement throughout the agriculturally rich Central Valley region.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 52.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.0%
- Retention Rate
- 80.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,188
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $103,078 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $99,447 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $88,527 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 |
| Education, General. | Master | $59,688 |
| Social Work. | Master | $57,796 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $54,661 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $49,918 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $49,644 |
| Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
Campus Life
Cal State Stanislaus sits in Turlock, a farming town about 90 minutes southeast of San Francisco and two hours from Sacramento. The Central Valley location means hot, dry summers where you'll need sunscreen and light layers, plus mild winters that rarely require more than a sweater. Only 8% of the 8,564 students live in the limited on-campus housing of 722 beds, so most commute from home or nearby apartments.
The campus culture reflects its role as a regional university serving the Central Valley's diverse population. With 63% Hispanic enrollment and 99% in-state students, Stan State has deep local roots. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, contributing to the 56% four-year graduation rate as many take longer to finish. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention despite the university's size. Weekends tend to be quiet as many students return home or work, though the Warriors' 11 NCAA Division II sports teams and campus activities provide options for those staying local.
The campus culture reflects its role as a regional university serving the Central Valley's diverse population. With 63% Hispanic enrollment and 99% in-state students, Stan State has deep local roots. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, contributing to the 56% four-year graduation rate as many take longer to finish. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention despite the university's size. Weekends tend to be quiet as many students return home or work, though the Warriors' 11 NCAA Division II sports teams and campus activities provide options for those staying local.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 722 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
35 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–54°F
- July Avg
- 65°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Cal State Stanislaus draws almost entirely from California, with nearly all students staying close to home in the Central Valley. The campus serves a predominantly Hispanic student population that mirrors the region's agricultural communities. Women outnumber men two-to-one, reflecting the university's strength in education and social work programs. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, making this an accessible option for first-generation college students. The Warriors have built their reputation as a launching pad for local teachers, nurses, and business professionals who want to serve their home communities.
- Men
- 33.9%
- Women
- 66.1%
- White
- 17.3%
- Black
- 2.9%
- Hispanic
- 63.0%
- Asian
- 8.9%
- In-State Students
- 99.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 55.3%
Location
Turlock sits in California's Central Valley, about 100 miles southeast of San Francisco and 60 miles south of Sacramento. The city of 73,000 residents serves as a regional center for agriculture and food processing in Stanislaus County. Cal State Stanislaus draws 99.27% of its students from within California, reflecting its role as a local access point for higher education. The campus sits in a small suburban setting surrounded by farmland, almond orchards, and dairy operations that define the valley's economy. The area lacks the coastal amenities or mountain recreation found elsewhere in California, but offers affordable living costs that help keep student debt low at $13,540 median. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal State Stanislaus with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Turlock, California 95382-0299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,188
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,851
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $144/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,540
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Stanislaus?
CSU Stanislaus accepts 96.61% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students throughout the Central Valley. The university serves as an important gateway to higher education for first-generation college students and working families in the region.
How much does California State University-Stanislaus cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,671 per year, with 55.31% receiving financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,218 annually, reflecting the CSU system's commitment to affordability.
What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University-Stanislaus?
The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 8,564 students. CSU Stanislaus is particularly known for its strong teacher preparation programs and hands-on learning opportunities in business.
What are the graduation outcomes at California State University-Stanislaus?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 58.00%, with graduates earning a median salary of $63,188 ten years after enrollment. Alumni typically carry manageable debt loads of $13,540, making monthly loan payments of just $144.
Where is California State University-Stanislaus located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Turlock, a small suburban city in California's Central Valley agricultural region. With housing capacity for only 722 students out of 8,564 enrolled, most Warriors live off-campus and commute to this primarily commuter school.
What makes the student body unique at California State University-Stanislaus?
Hispanic students comprise 62.97% of enrollment, making CSU Stanislaus a Hispanic-Serving Institution that reflects the Central Valley's demographics. Women outnumber men at 66.08% to 33.92%, and 99.27% of students are California residents.
Similar Schools
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, California
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, California
California State University-Monterey Bay
Seaside, California
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, California
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California