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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #541 | California College Of AsuPrivate | Los Angeles, CA | $38,025 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,386 | — | 37.2% |
| #542 | San Francisco, CA | $53,517 Median Earnings (4yr) | $61,407 | 91.1% | 61.2% | |
| #543 | Tarzana, CA | $28,159 Median Earnings (4yr) | $47,332 | — | — | |
| #544 | Laguna Beach, CA | $48,922 Median Earnings (4yr) | $37,203 | 94.3% | 51.7% | |
| #545 | Los Angeles, CA | $73,456 Median Earnings (4yr) | $36,824 | 76.6% | 71.4% | |
| #546 | Santa Clarita, CA | $55,487 Median Earnings (4yr) | $24,624 | 84.0% | 67.7% | |
| #547 | Clovis Adult EducationPublic | Clovis, CA | $43,882 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #548 | Port Hadlock, WA | $47,476 Median Earnings (4yr) | $31,328 | — | — | |
| #549 | University Of Puget SoundPrivate | Tacoma, WA | $59,684 Median Earnings (4yr) | $23,643 | 72.3% | 68.0% |
| #550 | Somerton, AZ | $35,520 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #551 | Corban UniversityPrivate | Salem, OR | $48,593 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,555 | 93.9% | 60.6% |
| #552 | Naropa UniversityPrivate | Boulder, CO | $41,627 Median Earnings (4yr) | $21,457 | 100.0% | 36.7% |
| #553 | Seward, AK | $49,766 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,485 | — | — | |
| #554 | Bastyr UniversityPrivate | Kenmore, WA | $46,794 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #555 | Los Angeles, CA | $29,927 Median Earnings (4yr) | $37,743 | 82.8% | — | |
| #556 | Dr. Ida Rolf InstitutePrivate | Boulder, CO | $21,193 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | 100.0% | — |
| #557 | Cornish College Of The ArtsPrivate | Seattle, WA | $40,939 Median Earnings (4yr) | $31,806 | 62.2% | 56.4% |
| #558 | Valencia, CA | $35,256 Median Earnings (4yr) | $26,686 | 32.3% | 66.7% | |
| #559 | Carlsbad, CA | $41,390 Median Earnings (4yr) | $29,997 | — | — |
