Best Engineering Colleges in the West (2026)
Updated
Regional list from Best Engineering Colleges in the United States
This page lists the 76 Engineering programs in the West with a reported earnings cohort, ordered by the median earnings of Engineering graduates four years after completing. University of California-Berkeley ranks 1st on this list, reporting $158,239 after completing.
Across the 63 schools with a reported completion median, median earnings range from $158,239 to $69,434, with a median of $95,412. For 2 of the 63 programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.
Public institutions account for 78% of the list, or 59 of the 76 schools. California State University-Los Angeles posts the lowest average net price at $3,967, while California Institute of Technology reports the highest six-year completion rate at 94%.
University of California-San Diego ranks 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median Engineering Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA | $158,239 | $13,481 | $5,311 | 11.0% |
| University of California-Berkeley reports $158,239 in median earnings for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, alongside a 93% six-year completion rate. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (528 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (189 graduates), Civil Engineering (106 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($200,543), Chemical Engineering ($121,027), Mechanical Engineering ($119,371) | |||||
| 2 | Santa Clara University · Santa Clara, CA | $139,003 | $50,062 | $22,985 | 48.0% |
| Santa Clara University, a private nonprofit university in Santa Clara, ranks 2nd on this list and shows an average net price of $50,062. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Computer Engineering (83 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (52 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($163,765), Mechanical Engineering ($122,111), Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($114,426) | |||||
| 3 | University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $128,783 | $12,548 | $5,579 | 9.0% |
| With an admission rate of 9%, University of California-Los Angeles posts median earnings of $128,783 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (162 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (142 graduates), Computer Engineering (96 graduates) | |||||
| 4 | Cal Poly Maritime Academy · Vallejo, CA | $126,395 | $20,555 | $13,552 | 95.0% |
| Cal Poly Maritime Academy admits 95% of applicants and reports median earnings of $126,395 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($126,395) | |||||
| 5 | Harvey Mudd College · Claremont, CA | $122,845 | $35,924 | $27,979 | 12.7% |
| Harvey Mudd College graduates 92% of its students within six years and lists an average net price of $35,924. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Engineering, General (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Engineering, General ($122,845) | |||||
| 6 | University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA | $121,686 | $17,890 | $8,717 | 65.8% |
| University of California-Santa Cruz ranks 6th on this list, with median earnings of $121,686 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Computer Engineering (132 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (40 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($124,641), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($118,290), Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($98,567) | |||||
| 7 | University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, CA | $120,049 | $16,109 | $9,231 | 33.0% |
| An average net price of $16,109 coincides with an 83% six-year completion rate at University of California-Santa Barbara. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (78 graduates), Computer Engineering (72 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (68 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($144,703), Chemical Engineering ($113,317), Mechanical Engineering ($104,336) | |||||
| 8 | University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA | $115,921 | $32,740 | $13,516 | 9.8% |
| University of Southern California reports median earnings of $115,921 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 10%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (119 graduates), Industrial Engineering (57 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (56 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($131,532), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($125,514), Industrial Engineering ($112,150) | |||||
| 9 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA | $113,948 | $16,665 | $7,529 | 31.3% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks 58th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows an average net price of $16,665. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (272 graduates), Computer Engineering (158 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (136 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($148,950), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($125,240), Industrial Engineering ($112,797) | |||||
| 10 | Sonoma State University · Rohnert Park, CA | $112,757 | $12,885 | $8,310 | 93.4% |
| Sonoma State University posts median earnings of $112,757 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, alongside a 58% six-year completion rate. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (25 graduates) | |||||
| 11 | University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, CA | $110,699 | $12,470 | $7,525 | 26.7% |
| University of California-San Diego holds an Azimuth composite rank of 1st among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $110,699 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (218 graduates), Computer Engineering (167 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (146 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($149,139), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($118,150), Mechanical Engineering ($104,229) | |||||
| 12 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle, WA | $109,269 | $14,091 | $6,384 | 39.2% |
| An admission rate of 39% and an average net price of $14,091 are reported by University of Washington-Seattle Campus. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (226 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (119 graduates), Civil Engineering (118 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($169,570), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($116,010), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($111,349) | |||||
| 13 | University of California-Davis · Davis, CA | $106,933 | $14,741 | $9,211 | 41.8% |
| University of California-Davis reports median earnings of $106,933 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate reaches 86%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (166 graduates), Civil Engineering (127 graduates), Computer Engineering (119 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($145,422), Engineering, General ($114,228), Chemical Engineering ($102,649) | |||||
| 14 | University of California-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $106,892 | $14,251 | $8,123 | 28.6% |
| With an admission rate of 29%, University of California-Irvine ranks 14th on this list and posts median earnings of $106,892 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (260 graduates), Computer Engineering (246 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (156 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($132,357), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($106,871), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($100,537) | |||||
| 15 | San Diego State University · San Diego, CA | $100,916 | $15,364 | $9,910 | 36.2% |
| San Diego State University carries an average net price of $15,364 and its Engineering graduates earn a median of $100,916 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (244 graduates), Civil Engineering (227 graduates), Computer Engineering (116 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($106,416), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($100,139), Mechanical Engineering ($97,825) | |||||
| 16 | Brigham Young University · Provo, UT | $100,449 | $15,564 | $10,444 | 67.8% |
| A private nonprofit university in Provo, Brigham Young University ranks 16th on this list and reports a six-year completion rate of 81%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (158 graduates), Computer Engineering (97 graduates), Civil Engineering (77 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($133,111), Chemical Engineering ($101,726), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($99,774) | |||||
| 17 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona · Pomona, CA | $100,321 | $11,531 | $7,851 | 75.2% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona admits 75% of applicants and its Engineering graduates earn a median of $100,321 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Civil Engineering (277 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (276 graduates), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering (163 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($106,171), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($103,924), Chemical Engineering ($102,849) | |||||
| 18 | California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA | $99,979 | $7,021 | $4,905 | 93.5% |
| Ranking 7th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, California State University-Northridge reports median earnings of $99,979 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (185 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (78 graduates), Civil Engineering (75 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($104,065), Mechanical Engineering ($99,216), Civil Engineering ($97,123) | |||||
| 19 | Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles, CA | $99,540 | $48,381 | $32,268 | 45.1% |
| Loyola Marymount University reports median earnings of $99,540 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $48,381. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (30 graduates), Civil Engineering (27 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (12 graduates) | |||||
| 20 | Stanford University · Stanford, CA | $99,243 | $13,807 | -$2,536* | 3.6% |
| Stanford University ranks 20th on this list, with an admission rate of 4% and a six-year completion rate of 92%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Engineering, Other (91 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (49 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Engineering, Other ($115,206) | |||||
| 21 | San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA | $99,148 | $12,278 | $9,341 | 96.4% |
| San Francisco State University reports an average net price of $12,278 and its Engineering graduates earn a median of $99,148 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (75 graduates), Civil Engineering (65 graduates), Computer Engineering (38 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($112,454), Mechanical Engineering ($102,104), Computer Engineering ($94,129) | |||||
| 22 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology · Socorro, NM | $99,091 | $9,873 | $5,136 | 44.5% |
| New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology ranks 22nd on this list, with median earnings of $99,091 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (47 graduates), Chemical Engineering (21 graduates), Civil Engineering (19 graduates) | |||||
| 23 | California Baptist University · Riverside, CA | $99,077 | $26,285 | $22,298 | 84.9% |
| A private nonprofit university in Riverside, California Baptist University admits 85% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 62%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (47 graduates), Civil Engineering (28 graduates), Computer Engineering (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($105,046), Computer Engineering ($96,506), Civil Engineering ($90,251) | |||||
| 24 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs · Colorado Springs, CO | $98,790 | $15,788 | $12,065 | 97.4% |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs posts median earnings of $98,790 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its admission rate is 97%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (80 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (24 graduates), Computer Engineering (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($113,627), Mechanical Engineering ($91,192) | |||||
| 25 | Colorado School of Mines · Golden, CO | $98,326 | $28,690 | $16,849 | 60.7% |
| Colorado School of Mines reports median earnings of $98,326 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate stands at 82%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (304 graduates), Chemical Engineering (155 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (93 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Petroleum Engineering ($116,691), Mining and Mineral Engineering ($109,695), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($106,012) | |||||
| 26 | University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder, CO | $97,557 | $25,346 | $14,231 | 78.1% |
| University of Colorado Boulder admits 78% of applicants and carries an average net price of $25,346. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (235 graduates), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering (199 graduates), Civil Engineering (81 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($116,350), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($100,631), Chemical Engineering ($95,780) | |||||
| 27 | University of California-Merced · Merced, CA | $97,539 | $11,983 | $7,945 | 90.5% |
| With an average net price of $11,983, University of California-Merced ranks 121st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Computer Engineering (219 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (184 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($102,575), Mechanical Engineering ($95,040), Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($88,795) | |||||
| 28 | California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA | $97,264 | $10,440 | $7,183 | 46.3% |
| California State University-Long Beach posts median earnings of $97,264 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 46%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (229 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (125 graduates), Civil Engineering (122 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($103,075), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($101,797), Computer Engineering ($98,967) | |||||
| 29 | California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA | $97,128 | $9,338 | $6,501 | 94.0% |
| Graduating 56% of its students within six years, California State University-Sacramento reports median earnings of $97,128 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (178 graduates), Civil Engineering (145 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (94 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($104,394), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($103,512), Civil Engineering ($93,973) | |||||
| 30 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver, CO | $96,696 | $11,900 | $6,743 | 74.7% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has an average net price of $11,900 and an admission rate of 75%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (64 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (50 graduates), Civil Engineering (48 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($110,754), Mechanical Engineering ($94,320), Civil Engineering ($92,224) | |||||
| 31 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe, AZ | $96,458 | $14,967 | $9,070 | 89.9% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion ranks 21st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Engineering graduates earn a median of $96,458 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (276 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (184 graduates), Engineering, General (165 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($112,543), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($104,757), Industrial Engineering ($102,439) | |||||
| 32 | University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque, NM | $96,449 | $15,489 | $11,938 | 95.2% |
| Admitting 95% of applicants, University of New Mexico-Main Campus reports a six-year completion rate of 55%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (71 graduates), Chemical Engineering (47 graduates), Civil Engineering (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemical Engineering ($96,810), Mechanical Engineering ($94,990), Civil Engineering ($81,933) | |||||
| 33 | University of Northern Colorado · Greeley, CO | $95,775 | $17,760 | $12,695 | 85.9% |
| University of Northern Colorado reports median earnings of $95,775 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $17,760. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Computer Engineering (18 graduates) | |||||
| 34 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas · Las Vegas, NV | $95,699 | $10,359 | $8,526 | 96.2% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 51%, University of Nevada-Las Vegas ranks 76th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (98 graduates), Civil Engineering (66 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (38 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($100,765), Mechanical Engineering ($97,901), Computer Engineering ($93,830) | |||||
| 35 | University of California-Riverside · Riverside, CA | $95,412 | $14,304 | $8,852 | 76.4% |
| University of California-Riverside posts median earnings of $95,412 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 76%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (94 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (67 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (65 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($107,193), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($102,630), Mechanical Engineering ($93,721) | |||||
| 36 | University of Portland · Portland, OR | $95,041 | $28,210 | $20,070 | 89.2% |
| A private nonprofit institution, University of Portland has an average net price of $28,210 and a six-year completion rate of 80%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (54 graduates), Civil Engineering (24 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (22 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($105,859), Mechanical Engineering ($93,119), Civil Engineering ($89,448) | |||||
| 37 | California State University-Chico · Chico, CA | $94,917 | $14,480 | $9,902 | 92.7% |
| California State University-Chico reports median earnings of $94,917 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $14,480. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Civil Engineering (88 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (72 graduates), Engineering, Other (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Engineering, Other ($103,272), Mechanical Engineering ($93,555), Civil Engineering ($92,472) | |||||
| 38 | University of Arizona · Tucson, AZ | $94,721 | $16,674 | $13,353 | 86.1% |
| University of Arizona ranks 38th on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 68%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (110 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (101 graduates), Chemical Engineering (54 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mining and Mineral Engineering ($120,031), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($105,839), Chemical Engineering ($101,815) | |||||
| 39 | Washington State University · Pullman, WA | $94,428 | $14,971 | $7,074 | 86.6% |
| With an admission rate of 87%, Washington State University admits the large majority of its applicants and carries an average net price of $7,074 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (265 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (110 graduates), Civil Engineering (101 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($114,635), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($104,354), Chemical Engineering ($99,506) | |||||
| 40 | Oregon State University · Corvallis, OR | $94,165 | $19,604 | $12,107 | 77.3% |
| Oregon State University ranks 126th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $94,165 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (315 graduates), Civil Engineering (123 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (111 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Construction Engineering ($105,964), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($105,359), Industrial Engineering ($101,653) | |||||
| 41 | California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $94,133 | $3,967 | $2,877 | 91.3% |
| California State University-Los Angeles holds the lowest average net price on the page at $3,967 and ranks 3rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (130 graduates), Civil Engineering (73 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (52 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($96,014), Civil Engineering ($94,760), Mechanical Engineering ($93,028) | |||||
| 42 | Seattle University · Seattle, WA | $94,005 | $34,662 | $22,896 | 76.9% |
| A private nonprofit university in Seattle, Seattle University reports median earnings of $94,005 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (44 graduates), Civil Engineering (26 graduates), Computer Engineering (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($111,410), Mechanical Engineering ($96,218) | |||||
| 43 | Gonzaga University · Spokane, WA | $93,936 | $35,119 | $20,833 | 81.7% |
| Gonzaga University graduates 86% of its students within six years and reports an average net price of $20,833 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (55 graduates), Civil Engineering (34 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($106,155), Mechanical Engineering ($93,816), Civil Engineering ($86,942) | |||||
| 44 | California State University-East Bay · Hayward, CA | $93,793 | $9,320 | $6,360 | 97.4% |
| California State University-East Bay ranks 44th on this list, with median earnings of $93,793 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Computer Engineering (16 graduates), Industrial Engineering (14 graduates) | |||||
| 45 | University of Utah · Salt Lake City, UT | $93,707 | $16,200 | $13,123 | 86.0% |
| With an admission rate of 86%, University of Utah reports an average net price of $16,200 and a six-year completion rate of 65%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (182 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (77 graduates), Chemical Engineering (68 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemical Engineering ($98,215), Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($96,353), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($91,361) | |||||
| 46 | California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA | $93,159 | $6,555 | $3,315 | 90.5% |
| California State University-Fullerton ranks 6th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $93,159 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (125 graduates), Civil Engineering (124 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (65 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Civil Engineering ($95,854), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($92,618), Mechanical Engineering ($86,808) | |||||
| 47 | University of Denver · Denver, CO | $93,026 | $36,131 | $20,097 | 77.8% |
| University of Denver reports an average net price of $20,097 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 76%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (32 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (10 graduates), Computer Engineering (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($93,026) | |||||
| 48 | California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA | $92,962 | $7,000 | $5,105 | 95.3% |
| California State University-Fresno reports median earnings of $92,962 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $7,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (79 graduates), Civil Engineering (70 graduates), Computer Engineering (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($108,038), Computer Engineering ($103,896), Mechanical Engineering ($88,002) | |||||
| 49 | California State University-Bakersfield · Bakersfield, CA | $92,905 | $5,652 | $3,536 | 93.9% |
| Ranking 49th on this list, California State University-Bakersfield reports $92,905 in median earnings for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Engineering Science (42 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (30 graduates), Computer Engineering (15 graduates) | |||||
| 50 | California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA | $92,492 | $4,564 | $2,681 | 93.7% |
| A public university in San Bernardino, California State University-San Bernardino graduates 55% of its students within six years and posts an average net price of $2,681 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Computer Engineering (33 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($92,492) | |||||
| 51 | University of Alaska Anchorage · Anchorage, AK | $92,403 | $15,301 | $11,582 | Not reported |
| University of Alaska Anchorage ranks 577th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports $92,403 in median earnings for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (27 graduates), Civil Engineering (23 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($98,156), Civil Engineering ($85,650) | |||||
| 52 | Oregon Institute of Technology · Klamath Falls, OR | $92,311 | $15,706 | $9,085 | 95.0% |
| Admitting 95% of applicants, Oregon Institute of Technology reports $92,311 in median earnings for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (65 graduates), Civil Engineering (29 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($101,534), Mechanical Engineering ($95,470), Civil Engineering ($76,642) | |||||
| 53 | Portland State University · Portland, OR | $92,006 | $9,552 | $7,655 | 90.9% |
| Portland State University ranks 135th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 53% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (113 graduates), Civil Engineering (71 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (58 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($101,905), Mechanical Engineering ($94,223), Civil Engineering ($86,084) | |||||
| 54 | University of San Diego · San Diego, CA | $91,840 | $30,365 | $15,586 | 52.4% |
| A private nonprofit institution in San Diego, University of San Diego has a six-year completion rate of 84% and an average net price of $15,586 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (61 graduates), Industrial Engineering (38 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($110,314), Mechanical Engineering ($91,848) | |||||
| 55 | University of Hawaii at Manoa · Honolulu, HI | $90,469 | $15,664 | $10,675 | 86.6% |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa reports $90,469 in median earnings for its Engineering graduates four years after completing and ranks 258th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (94 graduates), Civil Engineering (83 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Computer Engineering ($100,454), Mechanical Engineering ($92,555), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($88,869) | |||||
| 56 | Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff, AZ | $89,868 | $14,158 | $9,709 | 89.6% |
| An average net price of $9,709 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a six-year completion rate of 61% at Northern Arizona University. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (123 graduates), Civil Engineering (52 graduates), Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($95,388), Mechanical Engineering ($91,941), Civil Engineering ($88,184) | |||||
| 57 | University of Alaska Fairbanks · Fairbanks, AK | $89,730 | $10,892 | $7,992 | Not reported |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks reports $89,730 in median earnings for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 38%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (26 graduates), Civil Engineering (16 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($91,522), Civil Engineering ($86,819) | |||||
| 58 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins, CO | $89,461 | $21,279 | $13,259 | 88.5% |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins admits 89% of applicants and ranks 200th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (179 graduates), Civil Engineering (109 graduates), Chemical Engineering (75 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($99,172), Chemical Engineering ($97,271), Mechanical Engineering ($94,260) | |||||
| 59 | Western Washington University · Bellingham, WA | $88,973 | $21,193 | $12,915 | 93.3% |
| With an average net price of $12,915 for families earning under $30,000, Western Washington University reports $88,973 in median earnings for its Engineering graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Electrical and Computer Engineering (32 graduates), Polymer/Plastics Engineering (19 graduates), Manufacturing Engineering (18 graduates) | |||||
| 60 | Saint Martin's University · Lacey, WA | $88,966 | $28,119 | $22,810 | 89.8% |
| Saint Martin's University ranks 720th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports a six-year completion rate of 52%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (22 graduates), Civil Engineering (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($92,321), Civil Engineering ($85,276) | |||||
| 61 | Montana State University · Bozeman, MT | $88,783 | $22,499 | $17,797 | 82.1% |
| Montana State University reports median earnings of $88,783 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 57%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (179 graduates), Chemical Engineering (85 graduates), Civil Engineering (66 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($98,331), Mechanical Engineering ($88,653), Chemical Engineering ($87,590) | |||||
| 62 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus · Las Cruces, NM | $88,405 | $8,889 | $6,648 | 89.0% |
| With an average net price of $8,889, New Mexico State University-Main Campus admits 89% of applicants and ranks 235th on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (108 graduates), Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering (68 graduates), Civil Engineering (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering ($96,510), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($95,683), Chemical Engineering ($90,091) | |||||
| 63 | Boise State University · Boise, ID | $87,798 | $21,610 | $18,165 | 87.2% |
| Boise State University graduates 60% of its students within six years, and its Engineering graduates earn a median of $87,798 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (93 graduates), Civil Engineering (39 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($100,680), Mechanical Engineering ($85,354), Civil Engineering ($81,405) | |||||
| 64 | University of Idaho · Moscow, ID | $87,756 | $14,831 | $11,270 | 75.5% |
| Ranking 64th on this list, University of Idaho posts a six-year completion rate of 57% and an average net price of $14,831. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (62 graduates), Civil Engineering (37 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($94,484), Mechanical Engineering ($86,415), Civil Engineering ($86,310) | |||||
| 65 | University of Nevada-Reno · Reno, NV | $87,473 | $15,927 | $12,674 | 73.7% |
| University of Nevada-Reno reports median earnings of $87,473 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 74%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (135 graduates), Civil Engineering (64 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (57 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($96,291), Mechanical Engineering ($88,460), Chemical Engineering ($84,965) | |||||
| 66 | Montana Technological University · Butte, MT | $86,336 | $16,481 | $11,914 | 91.1% |
| Montana Technological University admits 91% of applicants and has an average net price of $16,481, with a six-year completion rate of 58%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (42 graduates), Civil Engineering (25 graduates), Petroleum Engineering (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Petroleum Engineering ($106,076) | |||||
| 67 | Northwest Nazarene University · Nampa, ID | $85,643 | $29,580 | $28,732 | 64.7% |
| A private nonprofit university, Northwest Nazarene University reports median earnings of $85,643 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 71%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Engineering, General (14 graduates) | |||||
| 68 | Eastern Washington University · Cheney, WA | $85,541 | $13,886 | $9,547 | 90.8% |
| Eastern Washington University has an admission rate of 91% and an average net price of $13,886, while its Engineering graduates earn a median of $85,541 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (50 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (39 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering ($85,599), Mechanical Engineering ($85,495) | |||||
| 69 | University of Wyoming · Laramie, WY | $84,607 | $13,599 | $7,977 | 96.9% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 59%, University of Wyoming admits 97% of applicants and ranks 387th on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (58 graduates), Civil Engineering (38 graduates), Chemical Engineering (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Petroleum Engineering ($100,911), Mechanical Engineering ($87,533), Civil Engineering ($83,184) | |||||
| 70 | California Institute of Technology · Pasadena, CA | $83,177 | $16,075 | -$2,133* | 2.6% |
| California Institute of Technology admits 3% of applicants, and its Engineering graduates earn a median of $83,177 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (28 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (15 graduates), Biomedical/Medical Engineering (10 graduates) | |||||
| 71 | Idaho State University · Pocatello, ID | $80,272 | $12,193 | $10,593 | Not reported |
| Idaho State University reports a six-year completion rate of 39% and an average net price of $12,193. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (14 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (7 graduates), Nuclear Engineering (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($90,053) | |||||
| 72 | California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt · Arcata, CA | $78,225 | $13,171 | $8,483 | 98.2% |
| Ranking 72nd on this list, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt reports median earnings of $78,225 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing and admits 98% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($78,225) | |||||
| 73 | Fort Lewis College · Durango, CO | $77,389 | $17,296 | $18,622 | 77.3% |
| Fort Lewis College reports median earnings of $77,389 for its Engineering graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $17,296. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Engineering, General (29 graduates), Computer Engineering (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Engineering, General ($77,389) | |||||
| 74 | Seattle Pacific University · Seattle, WA | $73,748 | $24,488 | $20,735 | 83.4% |
| A private nonprofit university in Seattle, Seattle Pacific University admits 83% of applicants and graduates 62% within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Mechanical Engineering (22 graduates), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (8 graduates) | |||||
| 75 | University of the Pacific · Stockton, CA | $72,364 | $25,447 | $17,004 | 71.3% |
| University of the Pacific ranks 201st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and reports an average net price of $17,004 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Biomedical/Medical Engineering (17 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (17 graduates), Computer Engineering (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Mechanical Engineering ($99,573) | |||||
| 76 | San Jose State University · San Jose, CA | $69,434 | $13,760 | $9,730 | 84.6% |
| San Jose State University posts median earnings of $69,434 for its Engineering graduates two years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 69%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Computer Engineering (248 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (166 graduates), Civil Engineering (101 graduates) | |||||
* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.
How this list is ordered
Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Engineering graduates four years after completing, or two years for programs that report only a two-year figure, highest first. The figures are medians for federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled. For 2 of the 76 listed schools the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The figures cited on this page cover the 63 schools with a reported completion median. University of California-Berkeley reports $158,239, and the spread from that top figure to the lowest listed median of $69,434 is $88,805.
Job market context in the West
Engineering graduates in the West enter a labor market that links to occupations such as Civil Engineers, Industrial Engineers, and Mechanical Engineers. The median annual wage across those occupations is $135,074, and a quarter of workers in those occupations earn less than $107,160. Projections for 2024 to 2034 put employment in those occupations about 14.0% higher, with 83,160 projected openings a year, or about 285 openings a year for every hundred graduates, meaning more projected openings than graduates. Wages and top occupations exclude management occupations; openings include them. The ranking above uses graduate earnings four years after completing, not the broader occupational wages described here.