Hearing from our community: CSU Global on Trustpilot

At CSU Global, we think a lot about the student journey—applying, enrolling, and working through courses that are challenging, relevant, and yet designed to fit into busy lives. In early 2025, we joined Trustpilot to hear directly from the students and graduates navigating that path with us. It’s already giving us a clearer view of what makes CSU Global unique, where we can improve, and how we can better support learners at every stage.

“Since partnering with Trustpilot, we’ve received confirmation that today’s learners need to be supported through online, flexible programs that focus on preparing them for workplace success,” said Jerid Counterman, vice president of student achievement and academic operations at CSU Global.

Most students at CSU Global are over 25, reflecting a working adult population that includes more than 12% military-affiliated students and more than 33% first-generation university students. The university’s structure—8-week terms, monthly start dates, and 100% online, on-your-schedule courses—is designed to support students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

“Having insight on the value of flexible classes supported through academic, career, and well-being-focused resources is important for us and helps affirm that our model works,” Counterman said. “By hearing directly from our learners, we receive confirmation that we’re doing the right thing, but also get the opportunity to address gaps when they exist—this feedback provides us the opportunity to learn and grow with our students.”

What CSU Global students say about their online learning experience

The early feedback has been a welcome reminder of why listening closely to our community matters. One theme stands out again and again: the people. Students consistently cite responsive faculty, supportive advisors, and staff who understand the realities of balancing school, work, family, and life.

“The CSU Global staff and faculty made my online grad school experience manageable, enjoyable, and consistent,” said reviewer Joseph M., a CSU Global graduate student and full-time professional. “I’m very grateful for how they accommodated my busy schedule as a full-time accountant, husband, father, and bivocational minister.”

Another reviewer highlighted the personal support that helped her stay on track, even when life became demanding.

“I never felt alone and always felt encouraged and supported despite being hundreds of miles away,” said Christina, a current CSU Global student, who credited advisors and instructors for their patience, compassion, and willingness to step in when she needed guidance.

That kind of feedback reinforces what we aim for every day: rigorous coursework paired with real support, so students never feel like they’re navigating the process alone.

So far, in early feedback, 83% of Trustpilot reviews give CSU Global an overall rating of four or five stars—more than four out of every five reviewers. Our current overall rating is 4.3 out of 5, reflecting strong satisfaction across academics, flexibility, and support.

“The reviews reinforce the shifting needs of students, with increasing demand for education that fits into their schedule and life,” Counterman said. “Learners need programs and platforms that are easy to navigate so they can focus on acquiring the skills and knowledge needed for professional success, instead of navigating the complexities of academic policies, degree plans, and financing. Thankfully, through the Trustpilot reviews, we’ve received the vital information and direct student and alumni feedback that affirms our classroom and support model provides the support they need and expect to be successful.”

Where determination turns into degrees

Those priorities—flexibility, ease of navigation, and real-world relevance—are evident in how students describe their day-to-day experience at CSU Global.

 “CSU Global allowed me to finally finish my Bachelor’s in Business Management, after trying for many years,” said Jennifer, a recent alumnus. “I completed it while working full-time and learned so much. I love the 8-week format, which allowed me to take up to four classes per semester. I couldn’t have done that with a traditional format while working full-time.”

Another reviewer shared that his path to completing a bachelor’s degree spanned nearly 20 years, marked by life interruptions and repeated efforts to return to college.

“Never did I think my start of college in 2007 would finally end in 2025, but here I am,” said Jonathan, who has nearly earned his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. “Due to life, I have started and stopped a lot of times. CSU Global has been the experience I needed to kick my education back in gear. Never did I think my bachelor’s degree would be possible, but here I am in the home stretch!”

The early feedback highlights what matters most to students: responsiveness, flexibility that holds up under pressure, and a structure designed for busy lives. As CSU Global continues to collect reviews, these firsthand accounts provide insight into how students experience online learning day-to-day—and what helps them stay on track.