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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #261 | Cet-Santa MariaPrivate | Santa Maria, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,846 | — | — |
| #262 | Western Seminary-SacramentoPrivate | Roseville, CA | $73,446 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #263 | Western Seminary-San JosePrivate | San Jose, CA | $73,446 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #264 | College Of Western IdahoPublic | Nampa, ID | $47,903 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,228 | — | — |
| #265 | Oxnard CollegePublic | Oxnard, CA | $49,137 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,855 | — | — |
| #266 | Skyline CollegePublic | San Bruno, CA | $59,341 Median Earnings (4yr) | $842 | — | 44.3% |
| #267 | Spokane, WA | $52,567 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,012 | — | 33.3% | |
| #268 | Anchorage, AK | $68,777 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,582 | — | 29.7% | |
| #269 | Cuyamaca CollegePublic | El Cajon, CA | $42,745 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,183 | — | — |
| #270 | University Of RedlandsPrivate | Redlands, CA | $75,863 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,287 | 82.7% | 67.3% |
| #271 | Tacoma Community CollegePublic | Tacoma, WA | $55,189 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,112 | — | 31.5% |
| #272 | Butte, MT | $79,369 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,650 | — | — | |
| #273 | Prescott, AZ | $93,582 Median Earnings (4yr) | $39,171 | 76.6% | 67.8% | |
| #274 | Walla Walla, WA | $56,719 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,224 | — | 38.2% | |
| #275 | St. Helena, CA | $51,285 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #276 | Seattle, WA | $67,649 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #277 | Bellevue CollegePublic | Bellevue, WA | $64,079 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,500 | — | 35.8% |
| #278 | Reno, NV | $55,261 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,771 | — | 32.1% | |
| #279 | College Of MarinPublic | Kentfield, CA | $62,664 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,665 | — | — |
| #280 | Joshua Tree, CA | $53,634 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,655 | — | — |
