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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #181 | Los Angeles, CA | $94,681 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #182 | Boise State UniversityPublic | Boise, ID | $64,791 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,165 | 87.2% | 60.2% |
| #183 | Butte, MT | $79,369 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,914 | 91.0% | 58.2% | |
| #184 | Show Low, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #185 | Sierra Vista, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #186 | Mesa, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #187 | Thatcher, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #188 | Coolidge, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #189 | Lake Havasu City, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #190 | Glendale, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #191 | Mesa, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #192 | Yuma, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #193 | Tucson, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #194 | Prescott Valley, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #195 | Phoenix, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #196 | Tucson, AZ | $66,968 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #197 | Denver, CO | $53,984 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,356 | — | 20.0% | |
| #198 | Las Vegas, NM | $55,864 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,511 | — | 26.2% | |
| #199 | Casa Loma College - AuroraPrivate | Aurora, CO | $72,581 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #200 | Napa Valley CollegePublic | Napa, CA | $71,587 Median Earnings (4yr) | $12,795 | — | — |
