Home to 205 ranked institutions, the West offers a diverse higher education landscape ranging from research powerhouses like University Of California-San Diego to specialized regional colleges. With 45% public universities and 55% private colleges, graduates earn a median of $61,448 ten years after enrollment—demonstrating the region's strength in producing career-ready graduates.
Graduates from West institutions earn between $24,505 and $138,687 ten years after enrollment—$5,631 higher than the national average. University Of California-San Diego leads the rankings with the highest Azimuth Score of 2.8, while University Of California-Berkeley graduates achieve median earnings of $92,446, showcasing how program selection directly impacts career outcomes across this competitive landscape.
While University Of California-San Diego dominates the rankings, students looking for more accessible admissions should consider California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. With an acceptance rate of 73%, it offers a strategic alternative for students prioritizing strong graduate outcomes without the ultra-competitive admissions process of the top UC campuses.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #241 | Portales, NM | $54,827 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,663 | 91.7% | 45.1% | |
| #242 | Roseburg, OR | $59,969 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #243 | Western SeminaryPrivate | Portland, OR | $73,446 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #244 | San Juan CollegePublic | Farmington, NM | $46,786 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,647 | — | — |
| #245 | Cabrillo CollegePublic | Aptos, CA | $54,586 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,656 | — | — |
| #246 | North Seattle CollegePublic | Seattle, WA | $70,090 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,241 | — | 32.8% |
| #247 | San Jose, CA | $77,686 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #248 | Montana State UniversityPublic | Bozeman, MT | $65,157 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,797 | 82.1% | 57.1% |
| #249 | Saddleback CollegePublic | Mission Viejo, CA | $46,604 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,596 | — | — |
| #250 | Bellingham, WA | $58,560 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,915 | 93.3% | 64.6% | |
| #251 | Gallup, NM | $59,818 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,197 | — | — | |
| #252 | Lakewood, CO | $62,695 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,901 | — | 32.0% | |
| #253 | Homestead Schools-Costa MesaPrivate | Costa Mesa, CA | $66,788 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #254 | Touro University WorldwidePrivate | Los Alamitos, CA | $67,614 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,342 | — | 28.6% |
| #255 | Pacific Union CollegePrivate | Angwin, CA | $88,027 Median Earnings (4yr) | $41,008 | 47.3% | 58.3% |
| #256 | Salish Kootenai CollegePublic | Pablo, MT | $52,164 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,999 | — | 27.6% |
| #257 | Colorado Mesa UniversityPublic | Grand Junction, CO | $58,601 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,792 | 82.0% | 40.6% |
| #258 | Stone Child CollegePublic | Box Elder, MT | $45,263 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,440 | — | 34.2% |
| #259 | Trinidad State CollegePublic | Trinidad, CO | $49,758 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,366 | — | 54.5% |
| #260 | Havre, MT | $60,505 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,940 | — | 41.1% |
