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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #381 | Trinity Law SchoolPrivate | Santa Ana, CA | $51,985 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — |
| #382 | Cet-SalinasPrivate | Salinas, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,580 | — | — |
| #383 | Aurora, CO | $51,722 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,305 | — | — | |
| #384 | Gonzaga UniversityPrivate | Spokane, WA | $80,896 Median Earnings (4yr) | $20,833 | 81.7% | 86.3% |
| #385 | Centralia CollegePublic | Centralia, WA | $52,981 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,471 | — | 41.7% |
| #386 | Billings, MT | $55,549 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,927 | — | 30.0% | |
| #387 | Tillamook, OR | $46,973 Median Earnings (4yr) | $5,594 | — | — | |
| #388 | Victorville, CA | $44,779 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #389 | Chapman UniversityPrivate | Orange, CA | $73,336 Median Earnings (4yr) | $33,559 | 65.4% | 81.9% |
| #390 | Cet-WatsonvillePrivate | Watsonville, CA | $40,676 Median Earnings (4yr) | $4,468 | — | — |
| #391 | Shoreline, WA | $61,196 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,390 | — | 28.7% | |
| #392 | Oak Harbor, WA | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #393 | Marysville, WA | $57,679 Median Earnings (4yr) | — | — | — | |
| #394 | College Of The SiskiyousPublic | Weed, CA | $57,487 Median Earnings (4yr) | $9,816 | — | — |
| #395 | Wenatchee Valley CollegePublic | Wenatchee, WA | $52,108 Median Earnings (4yr) | $7,094 | — | 43.3% |
| #396 | Sheridan, WY | $51,958 Median Earnings (4yr) | $8,069 | — | — | |
| #397 | Coos Bay, OR | $48,012 Median Earnings (4yr) | $6,414 | — | — | |
| #398 | Moraga, CA | $74,325 Median Earnings (4yr) | $19,462 | 86.5% | 70.3% | |
| #399 | Missoula, MT | $50,928 Median Earnings (4yr) | $13,960 | 95.9% | 48.0% | |
| #400 | Woodbury UniversityPrivate | Burbank, CA | $66,794 Median Earnings (4yr) | $28,815 | 81.7% | 60.0% |
