The College of Staten Island Earns National Recognition for Value and Student Success

National rankings highlight CSI’s affordability, diverse academic programs and commitment to social mobility

This week, I sat down with David Pizzuto, Associate Director of Communications at the College of Staten Island (CSI). The discussion is centered around the college’s growing national recognition and its ongoing commitment to student success.

CSI has recently been featured in several prominent national rankings.

In August: Forbes recognized the institution for the third consecutive year for its strong return on investment, spotlighting the value of a CSI degree in preparing graduates for professional success. Washington Monthly placed CSI in the top 25 percent of “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges” in the Northeast, further underscoring the school’s affordability and long-term benefits. A few days ago, U.S. News & World Report ranked CSI #33 in “Social Mobility,” a leap of 49 spots from last year, and 33rd among “Top Public Schools in the Regional North.”

These rankings collectively highlight the college’s strength in providing access, opportunity, and upward mobility to its students.

Part of what makes CSI unique is its large commuter population. Many students do not live on campus, but the college provides them with diverse pathways to success across disciplines. Popular programs include Biology, Business, Psychology and other Social Sciences, and Communications.

Pizzuto emphasizes CSI’s curriculums are designed to evolve constantly, ensuring graduates leave prepared to put their knowledge to work in the real world.

“Our academic support services are excellent here at the College of Staten Island,” Pizzuto said. Pizzuto, who spent 15 years working for the Athletics Department, including Sports Information for the Dolphins prior to his current role, added: “When that course curriculum is constantly evolving and constantly changing, and is representative of what’s out there in the career fields, I think that’s really important for students.”

This adaptability is reenforced by CSI’s scale and reach. The college graduated 2,166 students in May 2025, a milestone that reflects the institution’s role as a driver of opportunity for Staten Island and the broader New York City – City University of New York (CUNY) – community. Each graduate represents not just individual achievement, but a broader mission of transforming education into meaningful futures for locals, out-of-state and international students.

As CSI continues to expand its reputation across the region and nation, its mission remains consistent: deliver accessible, high-quality education that empowers students from all backgrounds to succeed personally and professionally.