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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #481 | Culver City, CA | $63,882 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #482 | Belmont, CA | $71,954 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | 6.7% | |
| #483 | Mesa, AZ | $50,098 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #484 | Whitman CollegePrivate | Walla Walla, WA | $56,804 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,567 | 38.1% | 80.5% |
| #485 | San Diego Christian CollegePrivate | Santee, CA | $50,741 Median Earnings (4yr) | $992 | 30.8% | 19.7% |
| #486 | Life Pacific UniversityPrivate | San Dimas, CA | $47,070 Median Earnings (4yr) | $16,786 | 95.8% | 40.4% |
| #487 | Northwest UniversityPrivate | Kirkland, WA | $58,404 Median Earnings (4yr) | $17,996 | 83.2% | 70.8% |
| #488 | Cet-El CentroPrivate | El Centro, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,063 | — | — |
| #489 | Peninsula CollegePublic | Port Angeles, WA | $44,056 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,721 | — | 36.9% |
| #490 | Juneau, AK | $61,954 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,955 | 63.3% | 28.1% | |
| #491 | Fullerton, CA | $53,687 Median Earnings (4yr) | $27,991 | 33.0% | 49.4% | |
| #492 | Pomona, CA | $28,773 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,467 | — | — | |
| #493 | Pacific UniversityPrivate | Forest Grove, OR | $62,363 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,318 | 89.6% | 67.0% |
| #494 | Poplar, MT | $31,073 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$144 | — | — | |
| #495 | Lamar Community CollegePublic | Lamar, CO | $39,711 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,513 | — | — |
| #496 | Little Big Horn CollegePublic | Crow Agency, MT | $27,429 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,419 | — | — |
| #497 | Miles Community CollegePublic | Miles City, MT | $43,022 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,462 | — | — |
| #498 | The College Of IdahoPrivate | Caldwell, ID | $52,628 Median Earnings (4yr) | $14,026 | 49.1% | 62.5% |
| #499 | Flagstaff, AZ | $47,262 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,971 | — | — | |
| #500 | Cet-OxnardPrivate | Oxnard, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,347 | — | — |
