Is the CSU Tiered Like the UC System?

calpolygay
Fri, 11 Feb 2011 02:55:10 +0000

^Woops sorry for reviving such an old thread. I got to it from a Google search. =X

In any case, I think the Poly’s and SDSU (the only research university in the CSU) are arguably the top.

Followed by a pack that includes two large commuter campuses (CSUF, CSULB) and two smaller residential colleges (Humboldt, Chico) and a liberal arts college (Sonoma).

Then two recognizable universities more for athletics than academics (Fresno State, San Jose State) and the only Maritime academy in the western United States (Cal Maritime).

The last tier consists of local campuses that act like massive community colleges (not that it’s anything wrong… it’s quite admirable to proudly serve a community).