In a recent survey of the year̢۪s best public colleges published by Forbes magazine, Fresno State ranked 91 out of the nation̢۪s top 100 public colleges.

The article̢۪s main criteria that determined the top schools list was how well a school catered to its student body.

The list was compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. The CCAP ranked 600 undergraduate institutions based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students and how much the students achieved.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are more than 4,000 college campuses in the U.S. and the CCAP ranks only the top 15% of all undergraduate institutions, including Fresno State.

What makes Fresno State great enough to be recognized in the top 15th percentile of the nation̢۪s public colleges?

Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) president, Jessica Sweeten, said Fresno State’s diversity and the fact that it caters to the students is what makes the University great.

“What I think makes Fresno so great is that it is so diverse in nature,â€Â Sweeten said. “We have students who come here from all over the world and locally. We also offer a diverse set of courses ranging from Armenian to a class that takes place in the Farm Laboratory. We are very unique in make up and have so much to offer students.â€Â

Sweeten added that Fresno State has a vast array of opportunities for students to get involved in.

“I think Fresno State offers a wide range of clubs and organizations,â€Â Sweeten said, “With over 200 on campus students can find something to spark their interest. ASI gives students an opportunity to get involved in campus committees and be a part of the decision making at Fresno State.â€Â

Tori Forman, a senior Kinesiology major and member of Delta Zeta sorority, thinks that the opportunity for everyone to get involved makes Fresno State great is how there̢۪s always an opportunity for everyone to get involved.

“You can pretty much fit in anywhere here,â€Â Forman said. “There’s something for everyone, whether it is a club, a sport, a sorority, a fraternity or the arts. It’s great to be able to come to school and feel like you’re a part of something, rather than just go to class and go home. There’s something here for everyone to get involved in.â€Â

In addition to clubs and activities, Fresno State also offers students a gym, a brand new library, free health services and the University Student Union.

Stephanie Annett, R.D., of Student Health Services, shared that the Student Health Center will be providing a healthy weight management class this fall in addition to all the other free services they provide.

“Participants can get free body fat testing and nutrition counselors every week, and get motivation,â€Â Annett said.
The student health center caters to the student body financially as well—all the services are free.

“We provide care for illness and injuries minor to moderate in nature,â€Â Annett said, “We provide low cost services to students—so there are doctors, nurses, labs, physical therapy, x-ray, women’s health, and wellness services. All for free.â€Â

Another huge service Fresno State provides for its students is the University Student Union.

Sally Ramage, Director of Student Involvement, referred to the USU as a “home away from homeâ€Â and the “living room of campusâ€Â.
“This facility and the Satellite Student Union are spaces for student, campus and community use,â€Â Ramage said. “The facility, programs and services of the USU are funded by student fees and revenue generated through services.â€Â

Ramage added that another key program of the USU is USU Productions, which provides over 60 annual events and activities for students.

The USU has a bowling alley, billiards, and an Xbox lounge. The USU building itself also provides access to meeting rooms. In addition, the USU provides job opportunities for more than 50 student employees to be on staff in the USU and maintain a connection to the needs of the students.

Sweeten was also proud of Fresno State’s achievement—making Forbes’ list of the top 100 public colleges in the nation.

“I think that it is a big accomplishment to be in the Top 100,â€Â Sweeten said, “It speaks volumes to Fresno State and their vision to empower the new California. We were only one of five CSU’s to be ranked this high.â€Â