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An Engine of Social Mobility

Earning a CSU degree changes the lives of students and their families. CSU campuses consistently rank high each year in CollegeNET's “Social Mobility Index"—which measures to what extent higher education institutions are helping solve the declining levels of economic mobility in the U.S. The index looks at the cost of attendance, economic background of the student body, graduation rates and early career salaries to determine if schools are accepting economically disadvantaged students and graduating them into well-paying jobs. In 2021, CSU campuses claimed 50 percent of the top 20 spots, with six campuses in the top 10.

The importance of the CSU's role in ensuring individuals can move up the income ladder becomes evident when considering the system awards more than half of California's bachelor's degrees and nearly a third of CSU students are first generation.

“For more than 60 years, the California State University has set the standard for inclusive excellence in higher education, transforming the lives of its talented and diverse students as it elevates families and communities and powers California's sustained economic vitality," Chancellor Jolene Koester says.

04

A University for All Students

Everyone is welcome at the CSU. As the nation's most diverse four-year university, the CSU serves all students regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ability or socioeconomic status. In fact, almost half of CSU students are underrepresented minorities, 21 of 23 campuses are Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the CSU confers more than half of undergraduate degrees earned by California's Latinx, African American and Native American students.

The university celebrates the diversity of its student body and ensures the success of all students through systemwide initiatives like the Educational Opportunity Program and GI2025, campus-based programs, cultural centers and anti-bias trainings.

06

A Bridge Across the Digital Divide

COVID-19 and virtual learning made apparent the technological disparities that exist along racial, ethnic and socioeconomic lines. Addressing these technology equity gaps remains a priority for the CSU. During the 2021-22 academic year, 14 CSU campuses deployed over 29,000 personal computing devices and thousands of mobile broadband hotspots to meet a broad range of student needs, as part of the CSUCCESS (California State University Connectivity Contributing to Equity and Student Success) initiative.

Campus-based student technology equity initiatives, including long-term loans for high-quality computing devices, are enhancing student achievement and creating more equitable opportunities for the CSU community. The CSU's collective work around CSUCCESS has yielded information and stories about how technology equity programs can make a difference in students' lives.

In addition to industry-leading technology, the CSU's continued efforts include increasing the number of courses using low- or no-cost learning materials through Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) to provide equitable access to education and improve retention. The program saves students across California $77 million annually.

Digital equity initiatives are an important component of the CSU's efforts to recover from the pandemic and improve student success while eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps as part of GI2025.

08

A Generator of Innovation and Research

Even before graduation, CSU students get hands-on experience and learning opportunities conducting cutting-edge research in the lab and the field with faculty. Beyond the educational value, students help address some of the state's, nation's and world's most pressing challenges . In just the past few years, CSU research helped California understand and combat COVID-19, while other ongoing research has looked at climate change, aid for those with disabilities, fire prevention, ocean conservation and earthquakes.

10

A Global Alumni Network

Following spring 2021 commencement, the CSU reached 4 million living alumni—a number that continues to grow each year. This extensive network provides students and graduates with people to turn to for mentorship, advice and internship or job opportunities.

While 84 percent of CSU alumni live in California, the network stretches across the globe with alumni groups operating in Washington, D.C., and New York and new groups starting up in Tokyo and the United Kingdom.