California State University, Stanislaus — Attraction in Turlock

I am a former student that graduated in May 2022. I came to this school because it felt right at home. It was maybe double the size of my high school in Minnesota. I felt very comfortable and enjoyed the beautiful campus. I did have some mixed experiences about the faculty, and professors here. When I initially got advised before my freshman year, the student advisor accidentally put me in 2 classes that fulfilled the same G.E. requirement. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that until like mid semester since I was still getting used to school. Other times when I asked for career advice, I was told to just make friends with previous Alumni on LinkedIn and use that as a resource. I went in for a computer science degree but graduated with a Sociology Degree. The computer science department was cold. I made good grades in computer science, but their advising department was mediocre at best. I was contemplating dropping out of school until my sister told me to change majors and visit the Sociology department. I can not thank Cindy Browning and Dr. Ann Strahm enough. They both listened to my needs and went above and beyond to make sure I was successful. Dr. Ann Strahm was my advisor and give me clear concise directions on how to graduate on time and worked around my weaknesses. If it wasn't for them, I honestly would've dropped out. While Sociology may seem like a useless major to some, I really enjoyed it and it made me a more critical thinker. It really showed me how our society is set up in a capitalistic manner. While it is vague information, I now realize that I have to pursue a entrepreneurial venture and that a 9-5 day job is not for me in order for me to achieve my goals and dreams. Overall, I met a lot of great professors, made some really close friends, but to future students make sure you understand everything at advising to graduate on...

When it comes to choosing a college that truly values students, fosters personal growth, and provides an affordable path to success, California State University, Stanislaus stands out as an underrated powerhouse. The campus is beautiful, the class sizes are small, and the faculty actually know your name. Professors care about your future, not just about publishing research. You’re not just a number at Stan State — you’re a person, and that makes a huge difference.

Stanislaus State also offers exceptional value. Tuition is reasonable, financial aid is accessible, and you leave with a degree employers respect — without the crushing debt. The campus is tight-knit, safe, and full of supportive peers. If you or your child is looking for a university where they’ll be guided, not left behind, this is the place.

Now, let’s talk about UC Davis — a school that runs more like a soulless academic factory than a place of learning. Overcrowded lecture halls. Disconnected faculty. Mind-numbing bureaucracy. Good luck getting a counselor’s time when you need it or any real academic support unless you aggressively chase it down. The cost? Outrageous. For what? A name? Prestige? That won’t pay the bills when you’re saddled with loans and a diluted education.

Don’t be fooled by shiny rankings and polished brochures. UC Davis scores a 0 out of 100 in student-first education. It’s a high-stress, low-support environment that prioritizes research output over student outcomes. For parents: ask yourself — do you want your child to thrive, or to survive in a system that treats them like an ID number?

If you care about real learning, real support, and real return on investment — Stanislaus State is the better...

I went here for my Bachelors degree and now for my graduate. Everything for my Bachelors was smooth but it seems quality has gone down here significantly or maybe it's just because I'm in graduate school.

I have run into a multitude of issues here with a few things that I had to do for my graduate program. Most significantly, my MPN did not show up in the Financial Aid office system. I have been getting the run around with it and getting very little response.

I was first referred to the loan coordinator with nothing but a first name only. Then, after searching for it myself, I emailed over the course of 2 weeks, I emailed 2 times with no response.

I also called twice in that time. First time, I was told that they were doing something on the backend and I should check back in 24-48 hours. I checked back in 48 hours and was told it would be fixed by "Thursday" which was 3 days from that point in time. Thursday comes and goes and still nothing.

I understand being bombarded or out of their control, but there is no excuse to have zero correspondence (beyond being told to just wait) with students regarding loan issues. Emails ignored, etc.

This is the lives and futures of real life people that are impacted. Sometimes, housing and other basic life needs are also impacted. There should definitely be more than "just wait" being given over the phone through another staff member.

Overall, I have to say that the experience has been a disappointment. I will update review if it improves, but my issue has yet to be resolved and the process has been nothing short of frustrating.

On another note, my professors seem great and invested in...