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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #361 | Clark CollegePublic | Vancouver, WA | $49,337 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,773 | — | 39.0% |
| #362 | Adams State UniversityPublic | Alamosa, CO | $52,621 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,947 | — | 39.4% |
| #363 | Ranchos De Taos, NM | $59,818 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,480 | — | — | |
| #364 | Humphreys College-ModestoPrivate | Salida, CA | $56,489 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #365 | Thousand Oaks, CA | $69,695 Median Earnings (4yr) | $22,161 | 75.7% | 69.6% | |
| #366 | Stockton, CA | $49,494 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #367 | Lakewood, CO | $58,576 Median Earnings (4yr) | $26,010 | — | 64.4% | |
| #368 | Hilo, HI | $49,763 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,983 | 60.6% | 48.4% | |
| #369 | Clovis Community CollegePublic | Fresno, CA | $39,542 Median Earnings (4yr) | $3,529 | — | — |
| #370 | Rock Springs, WY | $52,871 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,077 | — | 32.5% | |
| #371 | Columbia College - DenverPrivate | Aurora, CO | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #372 | Warner Pacific UniversityPrivate | Portland, OR | $65,093 Median Earnings (4yr) | $18,577 | 71.1% | 49.2% |
| #373 | Aims Community CollegePublic | Greeley, CO | $51,704 Median Earnings (4yr) | $10,196 | — | 39.6% |
| #374 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | Los Angeles, CA | $78,039 Median Earnings (4yr) | $32,268 | 45.1% | 78.9% |
| #375 | Green River CollegePublic | Auburn, WA | $60,643 Median Earnings (4yr) | $11,415 | — | 38.8% |
| #376 | Casper CollegePublic | Casper, WY | $46,963 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,216 | — | — |
| #377 | Colorado CollegePrivate | Colorado Springs, CO | $56,959 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,217 | 18.5% | 87.7% |
| #378 | Twin Falls, ID | $46,129 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,749 | — | 33.2% | |
| #379 | Concord, CA | $53,556 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,579 | — | — | |
| #380 | Spokane, WA | $46,905 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
