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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #161 | Colorado Springs, CO | $62,980 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,065 | 97.4% | 46.9% | |
| #162 | Espanola, NM | $61,774 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,187 | — | 28.7% | |
| #163 | College Of San MateoPublic | San Mateo, CA | $69,861 Median Earnings (4yr) | -$1,310 | — | — |
| #164 | Idaho State UniversityPublic | Pocatello, ID | $58,142 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,593 | — | 39.4% |
| #165 | Phoenix CollegePublic | Phoenix, AZ | $58,195 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,172 | — | 13.6% |
| #166 | San Diego, CA | $97,824 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #167 | University Of San DiegoPrivate | San Diego, CA | $85,309 Median Earnings (4yr) | $15,586 | 52.4% | 83.7% |
| #168 | Sierra CollegePublic | Rocklin, CA | $47,159 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,042 | — | — |
| #169 | Calexico, CA | $68,268 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #170 | Everett, WA | $73,467 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #171 | Richland, WA | $73,467 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #172 | Spokane, WA | $73,467 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #173 | Vancouver, WA | $73,467 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #174 | Pullman, WA | $73,467 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #175 | Pikes Peak State CollegePublic | Colorado Springs, CO | $48,538 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,811 | — | 20.6% |
| #176 | Clovis Community CollegePublic | Clovis, NM | $59,171 Median Earnings (4yr) | $2,226 | — | — |
| #177 | Iliff School Of TheologyPrivate | Denver, CO | $85,753 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #178 | University Of WyomingPublic | Laramie, WY | $61,749 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,977 | 96.9% | 58.8% |
| #179 | Seattle Central CollegePublic | Seattle, WA | $60,072 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,883 | — | 31.6% |
| #180 | Los Angeles City CollegePublic | Los Angeles, CA | $52,028 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,814 | — | — |
