Awards
& Recognition

Always Aiming Higher

Stanbridge® has devoted itself to excellence in everything we do. Beyond unrelenting growth academically, we seek out new ways to learn from, contribute to, and connect with the community around us. The result is a growing list of awards our students can be forever proud of.

  • 2023-2024

    Top 5 Most Popular Colleges in the West1

    by Research.com

    Stanbridge University has been ranked in the Top 5 Most Popular Colleges in the West by Research.com. The Most Popular College ranking is based on the number of applicants per place and highlights the reciprocal relationship between popularity and acceptance rates across private and public sectors. This recognition underscores that the most popular colleges in the USA possess diverse characteristics in terms of costs, acceptance rates, and student body compositions. These institutions prioritize academic rigor, offer various degree programs, and have a strong commitment to financial aid and support, making higher education accessible at different levels.

  • 2023

    Orange County Campus

    #1 Nursing College in California2

    by Niche.com

    Stanbridge University’s undergraduate nursing programs at the Orange County campus are ranked #1 by Niche.com. The Best Colleges for Nursing ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews from students and alumni.

  • 2023

    Orange County Campus

    Top 10 Best Small Colleges in California3

    by Niche.com

    Stanbridge University’s Orange County campus is ranked #10 Best Small Colleges in California by Niche.com. The Best Small Colleges ranking for the Orange County campus is based on key statistics using data from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews from students and alumni.

  • 2019-2023

    Orange County Campus

    #1 Best VN Program in California4

    by Nursingprocess.org

    Stanbridge University's Vocational Nursing Diploma program at the Orange County campus has been ranked first in California by Nursingprocess.org. Nursingprocess.org ranked the 20 best LVN programs in California based on NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates, academic quality and affordability, and published reviews.

  • 2022

    Orange County Campus

    #3 Occupational Therapy School in California5

    by Bestvalueschools.org

    Stanbridge University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the Orange County campus is ranked 3rd in the top 10 Best Occupational Therapy Schools ranking by Bestvalueschools.org. The ranking is based on graduation rates and program cost.

  • 2022

    Orange County Campus

    Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in California6

    by registerednursing.org

    Stanbridge University’s nursing programs at the Orange County campus are ranked #10 by Registerednursing.org. The ranking analyzes current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 129 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

  • 2022

    Orange County Campus

    #9 Nursing College in California7

    by Niche.com

    The Best Colleges for Nursing ranking for the Orange County campus is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews from students and alumni.

  • 2022

    Top 10 Most Diverse Colleges With More Than 750 Students8

    by Universities.com

    Stanbridge University is ranked 10th in the 2022 Most Diverse Colleges With More Than 750 Students by Universities.com. The ranking is based on variation in graduation between races, diversity of students, percent of instructional staff who are women, and other key metrics.

  • 2022

    Gold Award for Excellence in Community Service9

    by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)

    Stanbridge University was recognized with 2022 Gold Award for Excellence in Community Service by CAPPS for demonstrating exceptional commitment to the local community. Stanbridge University continues its commitment to creating an educational experience not only in the classroom but also through a platform for students and staff to serve the community and make a positive impact.

  • 2021

    The Award for Social Responsibility10

    by Investors in People

    Stanbridge University received The Award for Social Responsibility Award by Investors in People based in London, in the United Kingdom. This international award, given out to an institution each year from around the globe, highlights Stanbridge University’s continued commitment to serving the most vulnerable among us.

  • 2021

    Orange County Campus

    #6 Safest College Campuses in California11

    by Niche.com

    Stanbridge University’s Orange County campus is ranked 6th in the 2021 Safest Colleges in California by Niche.com. The ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Top-ranked colleges offer a safe and healthy environment for little or no campus crime, drugs, or alcohol usage. 

  • 2021

    Orange County Campus

    #5 Best Colleges for Nursing in California12

    by Niche.com

    Stanbridge University's Orange County campus is ranked 5th in the 2021 Best Colleges for Nursing in California ranking by Niche.com. The Best Colleges for Nursing ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with firsthand reviews from students and alumni.

  • 2021

    #15 Best RN to BSN Program in the United States13

    by Intelligent.com

    Stanbridge University is ranked 15th in the Best RN to BSN Program ranking by Intelligent.com. The Best RN to BSN Program ranking is based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.

  • 2021

    Orange County Campus

    #27 Safest College Campuses in America14

    by Niche.com

    Stanbridge University's Orange County campus is ranked 27th in the 2021 Safest Colleges in America ranking by Niche.com. The 2021 Safest College Campuses ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Top-ranked colleges offer a safe and healthy environment for little or no campus crime, drugs, or alcohol usage.

  • 2020

    Orange County Campus

    Top 10 Best Small Colleges in California15

    by Niche.com

    Stanbridge University's Orange County campus is ranked 10th in the 2020 Best Small Colleges in California ranking by Niche.com. The 2020 Best Small Colleges ranking is based on key statistics using data from the U.S. Department of Education and student reviews.

  • 2009 - 2022

    America's Best Technical Colleges & Universities16

    by Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc.

    Stanbridge University has been recognized as one of America's Best Technical Colleges ® for the 13th consecutive year, based upon the student loan default rate for the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs compiled by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc. is an independent research and consulting organization specializing in the recruiting and retention of students for institutions of higher education. Each year it identifies accredited colleges and universities that offer exceptional educational opportunities.

  • 2019-2024

    Great Place to Work Certified17

    by Great Place to Work

    Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue and increased innovation. They help companies around the world survey their employees, benchmark their results, identify gaps and improve their workplace culture. Great Place to Work is the only national recognition program based on a rigorous methodology and validated employee feedback. Stanbridge University has been granted certification by Great Place to Work from October 2019 - October 2024.

  • 2019-2022

    Investors in People Accredited18

    by Investors in People

    Investors in People is a standard for people management, offering accreditation to organizations that adhere to the Investors in People Standard. The current framework reflects the latest workplace trends, leading practices and employee conditions required to create outperforming teams. Stanbridge University has been granted 3 year accreditation by Investors in People.

  • 2019

    Orange County Campus

    ACCSC Excellence in Student Services19

    by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

    Stanbridge University's Orange County Campus was the recipient of the 2019 Excellence in Student Services Award from the ACCSC, which recognizes an accredited institution that operates an outstanding student services program. In selecting the winner, many factors are considered, including the comprehensive depth of the program, the significant and positive contributions of the program to students' college experience, and how the program supports and enhances the school's mission. Stanbridge students have access, as availability permits, to a suite of comprehensive student services, such as the aid of a Student Services team, extensive academic tutoring, mentorship programs, crisis counseling, access to a Learning Resource Center, financial literacy advising, and Career Service Officers.

  • 2019

    Gold Award for Excellence in Community Service20

    by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)

    Stanbridge University was honored to receive the 2019 Gold Award for Excellence in Community Service. The acceptance of the award highlights Stanbridge University's continued commitment to creating an educational experience not only in the classroom but also through a platform for students and staff to serve the community and make a positive impact.

    Read more here.

  • 2018

    Innovation in Education Impact Award21

    by the Internet Marketing Association (IMA)

    Stanbridge University was awarded the 2018 IMPACT Award for Innovation in Education by the Internet Marketing Association (IMA). The IMPACT Awards recognize the achievements of industry leaders across a variety of sectors. The Innovation in Education Award is given to institutions who continually evolve student learning and engagement using technology and innovation. Stanbridge University is the most recent winner of the award and joins previous recipients that include New York University, Chapman University, and Pepperdine University. Additional 2018 IMPACT award recipients include St. Joseph Health, Barnes and Noble Education, Microsoft, Lenovo, and Oracle.

    Read more here.

  • 2017

    School of the Year22

    by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)

    This prestigious award from the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) is a testament to Stanbridge's outstanding educational practices and commitment to technological innovation, rigorous academics, and service to the greater community, among higher education institutions.

  • 2009 - 2016

    President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll23

    by the Corporation for National and Community Service

    Stanbridge University has been named to the 2016 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service for the seventh consecutive year. The award is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. The recognition honors the university for its positive impact on local and global communities.

    The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll was discontinued by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2016.

  • 2014 - 2015

    School of Excellence24

    by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

    Stanbridge University has been named a 2014-2015 School of Excellence by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Stanbridge was honored along with 23 other schools, out of the 800 institutions that the ACCSC accredits. The award distinguishes ACCSC-accredited schools for their commitment to the expectations and rigors of the accreditation process, as well as the efforts made by high-performing institutions that have demonstrated strong student achievement outcomes.

  • 2013

    Community Service Award25

    by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

    Stanbridge University was named the 2013 ACCSC Community Service Award Winner by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which accredits 800 colleges and universities. Each year, the accrediting agency selects one ACCSC-accredited institution that has made outstanding contributions to their local community through service initiatives to receive this award.