Cal Poly Pomona is No. 3 among the "Top Public Schools in the West" and No. 14 among "Regional Universities West" according to the U.S. News 2022 Best Colleges Ranking. The western region includes 159 universities in 15 states.

The university was recognized for stellar performance in undergraduate teaching, innovation in higher education and providing an education that helps students climb the economic ladder of success following graduation. In those areas, the university listed:

• No. 3 Most Innovative School West - by college presidents, provosts and admissions deans voting for schools making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities
• No. 6 Best Undergraduate Teaching West (tie)
• No. 7 Top Performers on Social Mobility West (tie)

Nationally the College of Engineering was recognized among the best, tied at No. 11 for "Best Undergraduate Engineering Program," where doctorate degrees are not offered, and No. 3 in California. The computer engineering program was rated No. 3 nationally, civil engineering No. 4, electrical/electronic/computer engineering No. 4 and mechanical engineering No. 9.

Over the last five years, Cal Poly Pomona has moved up 17 places in the "Top Public Schools West" category, with increasing recognition for its high-quality education and commitment to experiential learning and professional readiness.

This year, seven California State University campuses were in the top 10 "Top Public Schools West." Joining Cal Poly Pomona (No.3) were Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (No. 1), Cal State Long Beach (No. 2), Cal State Fullerton (No. 5), San Jose State (No.7), Cal State LA (No. 8) and Cal State Monterey Bay (No.9).

The California State University system consists of 23 campuses and educates approximately 485,550 students every year, who comprise some of the most diverse student bodies in the nation. Half of all undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Nearly one-third of students are the first in their families to attend college.

For the 2022 ranking, U.S. News rated 1,466 colleges and universities nationally measuring academic quality using 17 metrics in the areas of student outcomes (40 percent), faculty resources (20 percent), expert opinion (20 percent), financial resources (10 percent), student excellence (7 percent) and alumni giving (3 percent).