8 Communications Technology colleges in the West with strong social mobility outcomes. Average earnings: $63,350.
Top Communications Technology graduates on this list earn over $90,768—and these schools actually serve the students who need them most. With mobility scores at the 60th percentile or above, these 8 programs deliver both access and results.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo leads the rankings, producing Communications Technology graduates earning $90,768 while maintaining a 95th percentile mobility score. Across this Western list, average graduate earnings reach $63,350—demonstrating that schools serving low-income students can compete on outcomes, not just access.
The best mobility schools deliver a double win: they serve low-income students AND leave them with manageable debt. Brigham Young University exemplifies this—98th percentile for mobility with just a 2.9% payment burden, meaning graduates keep more of their earnings and face excellent affordability.
Earnings: $90,768 | Mobility: 95th percentile
40% Pell students with $39,067 earnings
2.9% payment burden | Excellent - payment under 8% of discretionary
5.8% family burden | Excellent - payment under 8% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Graduate Earnings | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $90,768 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | 95th percentile mobility | |
| #2 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $78,349 | $19,500 | Manageable | $58,361 | High | 71th percentile mobility |
| #3 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $75,790 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent | 98th percentile mobility |
| #4 | $62,668 | $19,500 | Good | $23,519 | Challenging | 99th percentile mobility | |
| #5 | $57,624 | $18,500 | High | $30,988 | High | 90th percentile mobility | |
| #6 | University Of IdahoPublic | $54,670 | $21,982 | Manageable | $21,162 | High | 78th percentile mobility |
| #7 | $47,867 | $27,000 | Manageable | $65,400 | High | 74th percentile mobility | |
| #8 | $39,067 | $17,095 | High | $10,166 | High | 79th percentile mobility |
Our social mobility rankings answer: "Which schools deliver the best outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds?"
This is not simply "which schools admit the most low-income students" — it's which schools both serve low-income students and deliver strong earnings outcomes.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
