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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #281 | Pepperdine UniversityPrivate | Malibu, CA | $84,459 Median Earnings (4yr) | $50,560 | 62.9% | 83.4% |
| #282 | University Of PortlandPrivate | Portland, OR | $80,459 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,070 | 89.2% | 79.8% |
| #283 | Chandler, AZ | $68,137 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,940 | — | — | |
| #284 | Yavapai CollegePublic | Prescott, AZ | $57,288 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,882 | — | 33.5% |
| #285 | Denver SeminaryPrivate | Littleton, CO | $62,051 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #286 | Yakima Valley CollegePublic | Yakima, WA | $51,006 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,543 | — | 29.3% |
| #287 | Reedley CollegePublic | Reedley, CA | $42,644 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,327 | — | — |
| #288 | Highline CollegePublic | Des Moines, WA | $59,261 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,984 | — | 35.5% |
| #289 | Fuller Theological SeminaryPrivate | Pasadena, CA | $67,410 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #290 | Blackfeet Community CollegePrivate | Browning, MT | $38,312 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,643 | — | 62.3% |
| #291 | Mission CollegePublic | Santa Clara, CA | $55,281 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,463 | — | — |
| #292 | Seattle UniversityPrivate | Seattle, WA | $79,426 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,896 | 76.9% | 75.5% |
| #293 | Boise Bible CollegePrivate | Boise, ID | $43,596 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 90.5% | 31.6% |
| #294 | Saybrook UniversityPrivate | Pasadena, CA | $65,914 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #295 | Greeley, CO | $56,930 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,695 | 85.9% | 51.2% | |
| #296 | Barstow, CA | $38,095 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,239 | — | — | |
| #297 | Aurora, CO | $44,693 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,980 | — | — | |
| #298 | Oregon City, OR | $54,462 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,860 | — | — | |
| #299 | Phoenix, AZ | $70,264 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,572 | — | — | |
| #300 | Los Angeles, CA | $108,804 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
