College research / Rankings

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility in the West

Updated

Regional list from Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility in the West ranks 49 colleges in the West by median earnings of all students ten years after entry. Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks 1st on this list, with median earnings of $90,768 for its students ten years after entry. Across the listed schools, median earnings range from $90,768 to $39,067, with a median of $62,569.

Public institutions account for 82% of the list, or 40 of the 49 schools. California State University-Los Angeles posts the lowest average net price at $3,967.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo sits at the 94th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

The ranked list

49 schools in list order
RankSchoolMedian earnings, 10 years after entryAverage net priceNet price, families under $30KPell shareMobility percentile
1California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA$90,768$16,665$7,52919.2%94th
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reports median earnings of $90,768 for all students ten years after entry, the highest on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (107 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($68,171)

2University of San Diego · San Diego, CA$86,522$30,365$15,58620.9%75th
A private nonprofit university in San Diego, University of San Diego posts an average net price of $30,365 alongside earnings of $86,522 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (26 graduates)

3Pepperdine University · Malibu, CA$82,939$58,098$50,56020.3%72nd
Pepperdine University ranks 3rd on this page and sits at the 72nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (12 graduates)

4San Jose State University · San Jose, CA$78,988$13,760$9,73035.2%98th
With a 35% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, San Jose State University records median earnings of $78,988 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (56 graduates)

5University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle, WA$78,466$14,091$6,38414.9%95th
University of Washington-Seattle Campus carries an average net price of $6,384 for families earning under $30,000 and reports earnings of $78,466 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (10 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($46,844)

6Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles, CA$78,349$48,381$32,26813.2%60th
Loyola Marymount University ranks 6th on this list, with a 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (19 graduates)

7Brigham Young University · Provo, UT$75,790$15,564$10,44432.1%98th
Brigham Young University posts median earnings of $75,790 ten years after entry and an average net price of $15,564.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (34 graduates)

8California State Polytechnic University-Pomona · Pomona, CA$71,902$11,531$7,85146.3%99th
A public university in Pomona, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona reports a 46% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and earnings of $71,902 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (149 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,492)

9California State University-East Bay · Hayward, CA$71,401$9,320$6,36044.4%96th
California State University-East Bay ranks 9th on this page and carries an average net price of $6,360 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (73 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($57,755)

10University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder, CO$69,738$25,346$14,23114.5%93rd
University of Colorado Boulder records median earnings of $69,738 ten years after entry, above the list median of $62,569.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (19 graduates)

11Washington State University · Pullman, WA$68,905$14,971$7,07427.4%92nd
Washington State University sits at the 92nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports earnings of $68,905 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (91 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($55,403)

12San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA$68,077$12,278$9,34142.2%97th
San Francisco State University posts a 42% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants alongside an average net price of $12,278.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (97 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($58,617)

13University of California-Riverside · Riverside, CA$67,699$14,304$8,85246.9%98th
University of California-Riverside reports median earnings of $67,699 ten years after entry and sits at the 98th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (87 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($62,211)

14Sonoma State University · Rohnert Park, CA$65,986$12,885$8,31035.9%86th
With an average net price of $8,310 for families earning under $30,000, Sonoma State University ranks 14th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (137 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($59,444)

15San Diego State University · San Diego, CA$64,909$15,364$9,91031.7%98th
San Diego State University posts median earnings of $64,909 ten years after entry, and 32% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (232 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($58,419)

16California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA$64,876$9,338$6,50149.1%100th
California State University-Sacramento carries an average net price of $9,338 and reaches the 100th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (166 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($56,637)

17Westmont College · Santa Barbara, CA$64,778$29,053$20,89920.0%83rd
A private nonprofit institution in Santa Barbara, Westmont College reports median earnings of $64,778 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (6 graduates)

18California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA$64,403$10,440$7,18350.2%100th
California State University-Long Beach ranks 18th on this list, with 50% of its undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $7,183 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (279 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($60,019)

19California State University-Chico · Chico, CA$64,172$14,480$9,90242.5%95th
At the 95th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, California State University-Chico reports median earnings of $64,172 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (216 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($55,008)

20Oregon State University · Corvallis, OR$64,010$19,604$12,10722.8%95th
Oregon State University has an average net price of $19,604 and reports median earnings of $64,010 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (56 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($56,074)

21California State University-Stanislaus · Turlock, CA$63,188$6,067$3,93855.2%95th
California State University-Stanislaus reports an average net price of $3,938 for families earning under $30,000, and 55% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (246 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($59,251)

22California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA$62,951$6,555$3,31548.1%100th
Ranking 22nd on this list, California State University-Fullerton posts median earnings of $62,951 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (152 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($57,408)

23California State University-San Marcos · San Marcos, CA$62,908$10,229$6,23042.6%97th
California State University-San Marcos reaches the 97th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $10,229.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (174 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($58,289)

24Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe, AZ$62,668$14,967$9,07029.0%100th
Arizona State University Campus Immersion reports median earnings of $62,668 ten years after entry, with 29% of its undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (54 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($59,104)

25Western Washington University · Bellingham, WA$62,569$21,193$12,91520.9%84th
Western Washington University reports median earnings of $62,569 for all students ten years after entry and sits at the 84th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (6 graduates)

26California State University-Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA$62,152$9,849$6,85746.6%90th
With an average net price of $9,849, California State University-Channel Islands ranks 26th on this list and posts a 47% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (116 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($54,015)

27California Baptist University · Riverside, CA$61,504$26,285$22,29842.1%73rd
California Baptist University, a private nonprofit university in Riverside, shows median earnings of $61,504 ten years after entry and an average net price of $26,285.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (79 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($55,968)

28University of Oregon · Eugene, OR$61,324$22,182$15,90921.3%89th
University of Oregon reaches the 89th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $61,324 for all students ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (7 graduates)

29California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA$61,244$7,000$5,10557.0%98th
California State University-Fresno combines a 57% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants with an average net price of $7,000 and ranks 29th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (529 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($58,436)

30University of Nevada-Reno · Reno, NV$60,614$15,927$12,67422.9%88th
Ten years after entry, median earnings for all students at University of Nevada-Reno reach $60,614, and the school sits at the 88th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (45 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($52,501)

31Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins, CO$60,543$21,279$13,25921.1%93rd
At the 93rd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, Colorado State University-Fort Collins posts an average net price of $13,259 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (55 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($51,830)

32California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA$59,977$4,564$2,68157.6%97th
Ranking 32nd on this list, California State University-San Bernardino posts median earnings of $59,977 ten years after entry and reaches the 97th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (223 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($52,799)

33California State University-Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA$59,247$13,663$9,97043.2%91st
California State University-Monterey Bay shows a 43% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $9,970 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (242 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($59,017)

34California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA$59,211$3,967$2,87766.3%100th
With median earnings of $59,211 ten years after entry, California State University-Los Angeles holds the 100th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and an average net price of $3,967.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (138 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($59,904)

35California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA$59,115$7,021$4,90556.1%100th
California State University-Northridge reports an average net price of $7,021 and a 56% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, ranking 35th on this list.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (282 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($52,772)

36California State University-Bakersfield · Bakersfield, CA$59,009$5,652$3,53660.7%94th
Ten years after entry, median earnings for all students at California State University-Bakersfield reach $59,009, and the school posts a 61% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (312 graduates)

37Portland State University · Portland, OR$57,906$9,552$7,65541.6%92nd
Portland State University reports median earnings of $57,906 ten years after entry and an average net price of $9,552.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (223 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($50,949)

38University of Hawaii at Manoa · Honolulu, HI$57,624$15,664$10,67526.2%91st
A public university in Honolulu, University of Hawaii at Manoa sits at the 91st percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (40 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($40,970)

39California State University-Dominguez Hills · Carson, CA$57,162$8,615$7,30363.3%97th
California State University-Dominguez Hills ranks 39th on this list, with a Pell share of 63% and an average net price of $7,303 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (190 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($62,164)

40Thomas Aquinas College · Santa Paula, CA$55,619$26,196$19,76126.7%61st
Thomas Aquinas College, a private nonprofit college in Santa Paula, posts median earnings of $55,619 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (115 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($49,898)

41Soka University of America · Aliso Viejo, CA$55,017$18,260$12,02020.4%61st
At Soka University of America, the average net price is $18,260 and median earnings ten years after entry reach $55,017.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (97 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($52,896)

42University of Idaho · Moscow, ID$54,670$14,831$11,27023.5%77th
University of Idaho ranks 42nd on this list and reports a Pell share of 24% alongside median earnings of $54,670 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (27 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($47,654)

43Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff, AZ$54,384$14,158$9,70931.3%94th
Northern Arizona University sits at the 94th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $14,158.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (418 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($56,433)

44Montana State University · Bozeman, MT$53,263$22,499$17,79716.4%69th
Montana State University reports median earnings of $53,263 ten years after entry and an average net price of $17,797 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (56 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($45,975)

45California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt · Arcata, CA$47,626$13,171$8,48342.9%86th
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt ranks 45th on this list, with a Pell share of 43% and median earnings of $47,626 ten years after entry.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (46 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($42,049)

46Providence Christian College · Pasadena, CA$46,264$25,163$23,48131.3%61st
A private nonprofit college in Pasadena, Providence Christian College posts an average net price of $25,163 and sits at the 61st percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (21 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($45,640)

47Idaho State University · Pocatello, ID$45,608$12,193$10,59327.9%70th
Idaho State University reports median earnings of $45,608 ten years after entry and an average net price of $12,193.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (49 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($43,444)

48University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque, NM$44,792$15,489$11,93838.7%89th
University of New Mexico-Main Campus ranks 48th on this list, with a Pell share of 39% and an average net price of $11,938 for families earning under $30,000.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (172 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($47,770)

49New Mexico State University-Main Campus · Las Cruces, NM$39,067$8,889$6,64838.5%75th
New Mexico State University-Main Campus reports median earnings of $39,067 for its students ten years after entry and sits at the 75th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar among nonprofit four-year institutions.

Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (129 graduates)

Highest four-year median earnings by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($43,872)

How this list is ordered

Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page. The ordering metric is the median earnings of all federally aided students at the institution, measured ten years after entry, among those working and not enrolled. The figure does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The gap between California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of San Diego is $4,246, and the spread from the top of the list to the bottom reaches $51,701.