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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Carson, CA | $58,922 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,303 | 93.3% | 42.8% | |
| #22 | San Marcos, CA | $67,891 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,230 | 95.1% | 54.6% | |
| #23 | San Luis Obispo, CA | $90,662 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,529 | 31.3% | 86.4% | |
| #24 | University Of ArizonaPublic | Tucson, AZ | $67,420 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,353 | 86.1% | 67.5% |
| #25 | Hayward, CA | $72,596 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,360 | 97.4% | 47.9% | |
| #26 | Rexburg, ID | $56,787 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,378 | 95.8% | 55.5% | |
| #27 | Santa Barbara, CA | $70,323 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,231 | 33.0% | 83.0% | |
| #28 | Las Vegas, NV | $62,637 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,526 | 96.2% | 50.5% | |
| #29 | Seattle, WA | $82,515 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,384 | 39.1% | 85.2% | |
| #30 | Utah Valley UniversityPublic | Orem, UT | $66,978 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,904 | — | 45.1% |
| #31 | Mt San Antonio CollegePublic | Walnut, CA | $51,460 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,267 | — | — |
| #32 | Las Vegas, NV | $51,080 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,627 | — | 19.1% | |
| #33 | Turlock, CA | $58,952 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,938 | 98.1% | 53.4% | |
| #34 | Bakersfield, CA | $59,109 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,536 | 93.8% | 49.8% | |
| #35 | Los Angeles, CA | $95,739 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,516 | 9.8% | 91.8% | |
| #36 | Chico, CA | $65,228 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,902 | 92.7% | 62.8% | |
| #37 | University Of UtahPublic | Salt Lake City, UT | $75,345 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,123 | 86.0% | 65.0% |
| #38 | Tacoma, WA | $82,515 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,458 | 82.5% | 63.2% | |
| #39 | Pasadena, CA | $152,843 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$2,133 | 2.6% | 94.4% | |
| #40 | Palomar CollegePublic | San Marcos, CA | $82,130 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,268 | — | — |
