Is CSU Fresno as bad as they say it is?

<p>At my high school, the only things I hear about Fresno State are stories of crime and the poor quality of education. Is there any truth to these rumors? What is CSU Fresno like? I'm thinking about using it as a safety school and my best friend would love to go there because she has family living close by who will help support her.</p>

<p>An excellent education can be had at Fresno State, but you may have to expend some effort to find professors who teach well and who will challenge you. If you want a good education, you can get one at Fresno State, but there will be plenty of slackers around who aren’t serious about academics. As long as you stay focused Fresno State is a fine school. And your friend will find that having family support nearby is very helpful.</p>

<p>I don’t really know what Fresno is like. But according to crimerating.com, it has a huge crime rate. As far as the education, I would look at the graduation and retention rate.</p>

<p>Morrons get into Ivy League schools (look at the vast majority of out politicians) and yet they come out morrons anyway! A hard-working and geniune person will thrive at Fresno State, Stanford, or Compton Community College. When I feel lazy sometimes, I look at my desktop background where I have the picture of a 9-year old Cuban boy who suffers from liver cancer and who sits at a lowly wooden table in his parent’s kitchen, yet he studies harder than I ever could. Now… that’s the type of student I to be!</p>

<p>As for the crime rates, the vast majority of my family is from Fresno (I would say 80%), and I NEVER feel unsafe. Actually, I feel more safe than I do sometimes around home (Orange County, California).</p>

<p>And as for a quality education, both of my parents got into UPenn for law. There WILL be smart people around you (usually who can’t afford a “higher up” school) and it CAN get you into a top school.</p>

<p>Your education is what you make of it. You can definitely get a good education at Fresno, and family support helps out so much. Fresno does have a fairly high crime rate, but they have done a lot to improve the area. Like anywhere, you have to be careful of the areas you go to. And you are so close to Yosemite- big bonus!</p>

<p>I know people who go to Fresno State and they absolutely love and feel as though they are getting a good education along with the “college experience” that everyone craves, as well. They haven’t dealt with any crime and they are happy.</p>

<p>Personally, if I can’t afford to go OOS for college, Fresno State is probably where I will end up, and I am ok with it.</p>

<p>Every person has different opinions about EVERY campus. Visit the place, it’s the best advice I can give.
Fresno state has a great campus. Sure the city itself has a reputation for having a lot of crime, but the area around the campus isn’t bad. There haven’t been any criminal acts on campus to speak of. There’s enough to do, although be prepared to be a bit bored every once in awhile. The school has great spirit, and athletics/programs are great.
You can receive GREAT education and Fresno state. It’s one of the best schools in CA for people wanting to become teachers, and their other academics are great as well.
So, think about it. It’s your opinion! BUT it is a really good school!!!</p>

<p>I’m aware that this thread was started long ago, but want to agree with above poster that Fresno is a great CSU. They have a wonderful criminology program with a working crime lab, for instance.</p>

<p>Is anyone a Comp Sci major? I’m wondering how the Comp Sci/Engineering program is there.</p>

<p>I graduated from Fresno state last spring as a mechanical engineer. I am now going to sdsu for my masters in mechanical engineering specializing in thermal/fluid sciences. I believe fresno state prepared me as well as any other graduate students in my classes (4 classes). I actually seem to be slightly better in some areas of thermo and programming. I don’t think it’s the best school. But school is mostly based on what u make it. The crime rate is crazy high in Fresno, but I lived there for two years and never saw or heard of anything happening.</p>

I have been at CSU Fresno for almost three years now and I must say I actually have loved it. I was weary of the school before I got here too but once I as here and actually settled in it was pretty good. Some things I will say though are that college is what you make of it. It is not just going to be fun automatically, you have to get yourself involved. Be social especially if you are in the dorms. I stayed in the dorms for y freshman and sophomore years and although I am biased to my freshman year crew both years were great. Now that I am in my third year and have figured out all the classes i must take and all the work I have to do I am trying to get more involved with clubs and different things on campus. Fresno State is great with providing fun and engaging events to attend. Now the campus is pretty safe for the most part and campus police and others try their best to keep all the students safe during their stays on campus. There are things like lit paths to walk along at night and assistance getting to and from places when you do not feel safe to walk by yourself. Overall I think CSU Fresno is a great school and although it was one of my last choices for college I am so happy I came here!