September 12, 2022

Columbus State University retains its status as a “best college” in several categories published today by “U.S. News and World Report” in its annual list of “Best Colleges.” CSU continues to rise in the rankings of “Best Regional Universities, South”, placing it 30th among public colleges and universities and 67th overall.

Columbus State also ranked 32nd in Best Colleges for Veterans within the Regional Universities, South category—affirming its recent designation as a military-friendly school by “G.I. Magazine.” Educational service to retired and active-duty service people and their families is coordinated by CSU’s Military Enrollment and Adult Learner office. Advisers and counselors assist military-affiliated students with resources ranging from school-life-career balance, transitioning from military life to civilian learning, transfer credit for previous academic studies, and best utilizing educational and financial benefits stemming from military service.

Academic programs in Columbus State’s D. Abbott Turner College of Business and School of Nursing were also ranked nationally: undergraduate business programs ranked 411th and nursing programs ranked 413th. The Turner College offers 12 undergraduate programs and numerous undergraduate certifications in addition to nine graduate degree programs. 

The School of Nursing is designed for traditional students and working adults, and offers a BSN program, an RN-BSN program, an MSN program (with nurse educator, nurse informaticist and nurse leader tracks), and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.

CSU was ranked as an Economic Diversity school (59% Pell) for the first time in the 2022-23 rankings. Economic diversity creates access for students from all walks of life. Through federal financial aid—along with state-funded HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship programs, and scholarship opportunities funded through the generosity of donors who give faithfully to the CSU Foundation—most CSU students can achieve their educational goals while substantially minimizing a long-term debt burden through student loans.

Along with being an economically diverse institution, Columbus State ranked 54th among all regional universities, South for social mobility. U.S. News’ social mobility index evaluates and ranks how well students progressed professionally who receive federal Pell Grants. It assesses universities for both the graduation rates of Pell-benefiting students and how that graduation performance compares to the success of students who do not receive Pell benefits.

Columbus State continues to be recognized as one of the most diverse public universities in Georgia, which U.S. News observed with a 0.62 Diversity Index within its Ethnic Diversity ranking. Students at CSU come from 154 counties in Georgia, 46 U.S. states and 42 countries in the world. Half of CSU’s students identify as a student of color, and 17% of students have some military affiliation as an active or retired service person, veteran, or military dependent.

CSU has also won two national awards for internationalization because of its open access to global learning and study abroad inclusivity and diversity. Various programs including Pride+, Residence Life, Greek Life, Student Activities Council, SAVE Task Force, Diversity Programs & Services, the Center for Global Engagement, and the Center for Experiential Learning & Career Design, make CSU one of the most inclusive universities in the region.

Columbus State’s rankings profile is available on the “U.S. News and World Report” website, and the rankings methodology is available at https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-us-news-calculated-the-rankings.