U.S. News has named Cal Poly Pomona among the best undergraduate universities in the Western United States.

The university was No. 2 among "Top Public Schools" in the West, rising from No. 4 last year, and tied for No. 14 on the "2020 Best Regional Universities - West," rising from No. 28.

There are 128 college and universities across 15 states in the western region's rankings.

Cal Poly Pomona was recognized as one of the "Most Innovative Schools," ranking at No. 3. To determine those schools, U.S. News asked top college officials to identify colleges and universities "that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities."

CPP was also noted for "Best Undergraduate Teaching" tied at No. 9 in the region and among "Top Performers on Social Mobility," tied for No. 9.

For the 2020 ranking, the U.S. News & World Report formula was based 35 percent on outcomes, including graduation and retention rates, graduation rate performance and social mobility. Faculty resources for the 2017-18 academic year including class size, student-faulty ratio and faculty salary accounted for 20 percent. Also included were expert opinion on the institution's academic reputation (20 percent), financial resources per student (10 percent), student excellence (10 percent) and average alumni giving (5 percent).

California State University campuses took 7 of the top 10 spots on the U.S. News "Top Public Schools - Regional West List."