Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region

861 Schools Ranked
$43,926 Average Earnings
$19,742 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 861 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
17,749 Total Awards
$65,044 Average Earnings
$15,661 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Southern California to be the most popular school for students in the Far Western US Region . USC is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 17,749 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,661 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $489, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, USC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $65,044 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Southern California Report

15,234 Total Awards
$57,782 Average Earnings
$18,284 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region list. UW Seattle is a public institution located in Seattle, Washington. The school has a large population, and it awarded 15,234 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,284 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $303, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UW Seattle, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,782 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Read More…

#3

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
14,685 Total Awards
$60,587 Average Earnings
$15,301 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 861 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the # 3 spot on the list. University of California - Berkeley is a large public school located in Berkeley, California that handed out 14,685 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,301 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $323, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UC Berkeley graduates make an average of $60,587 annually. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#4

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
14,587 Total Awards
$53,838 Average Earnings
$16,277 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 861 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the # 4 spot on the list. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 14,587 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,277 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $278. During the early years of their career, UCLA graduates make an average of $53,838 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#5

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, California
12,345 Total Awards
$44,120 Average Earnings
$16,722 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of California - Irvine helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Far Western US Region . Irvine, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 12,345 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,722 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $209, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UC Irvine, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,120 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Full University of California - Irvine Report

#6

University of California - San Diego

La Jolla, California
11,974 Total Awards
$50,251 Average Earnings
$17,172 Avg Student Debt

University of California - San Diego came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This large public school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 11,974 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UCSD accumulate an average of $17,172 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $242. Once they receive their degree, UCSD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,251 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read More…

#7

University of California - Davis

Davis, California
11,996 Total Awards
$46,065 Average Earnings
$14,449 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Davis ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Davis, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 11,996 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,449 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $281 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UC Davis, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,065 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of California - Davis Report

11,652 Total Awards
$47,875 Average Earnings
$17,931 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Fullerton ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Fullerton, California, the large public school handed out 11,652 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,931 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $191 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Cal State Fullerton graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,875 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on California State University - Fullerton

11,443 Total Awards
$44,924 Average Earnings
$18,166 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Northridge ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region list. CSUN is located in Northridge, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 11,443 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $18,166 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CSUN graduates make an average of $44,924 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full California State University - Northridge Report

#10

California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, California
11,061 Total Awards
$45,445 Average Earnings
$17,702 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Long Beach did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #10 on the list. CSULB is a large public school situated in Long Beach, California. It awarded 11,061 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CSULB accumulate an average of $17,702 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, CSULB graduates make an average of $45,445 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#11

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
10,590 Total Awards
$45,826 Average Earnings
$18,150 Avg Student Debt

San Diego State University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. San Diego, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 10,590 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,150 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $251. Once they receive their degree, SDSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,826 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#13

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
10,298 Total Awards
$52,886 Average Earnings

San Jose State University ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region list. San Jose, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 10,298 students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, San Jose State graduates make an average of $52,886 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Read More…

#14

California State University - Sacramento

Sacramento, California
8,734 Total Awards
$45,098 Average Earnings
$19,924 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Sacramento came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Sacramento, California, the large public school awarded 8,734 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,924 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $172 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Sac State graduates make an average of $45,098 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full California State University - Sacramento Report

#15

Washington State University

Pullman, Washington
8,678 Total Awards
$49,774 Average Earnings
$22,489 Avg Student Debt

Washington State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. Wazzu is a large public school situated in Pullman, Washington. It awarded 8,678 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,489 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $312, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Wazzu graduates make an average of $49,774 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Washington State University

#16

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, California
8,463 Total Awards
$45,432 Average Earnings
$11,830 Avg Student Debt

Pasadena City College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Pasadena, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 8,463 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Pasadena City College accumulate an average of $11,830 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Pasadena City College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,432 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Pasadena City College

#17

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon
8,500 Total Awards
$43,202 Average Earnings
$26,738 Avg Student Debt

Oregon State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Corvallis, Oregon, the large public school awarded 8,500 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,738 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $417, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Oregon State graduates make an average of $43,202 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Read full report on Oregon State University

#18

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
8,388 Total Awards
$70,951 Average Earnings
$13,428 Avg Student Debt

Santa Monica College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. SMC is a public institution located in Santa Monica, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,388 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $13,428 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from SMC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $70,951 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read More…

#19

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California
7,889 Total Awards
$46,645 Average Earnings
$19,529 Avg Student Debt

San Francisco State University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in San Francisco, California, the large public school awarded 7,889 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,529 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $196 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SFSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,645 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read More…

#20

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
7,875 Total Awards
$40,268 Average Earnings
$16,986 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UCSB is located in Santa Barbara, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7,875 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UCSB accumulate an average of $16,986 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $287. Once they receive their degree, UCSB graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,268 during the early year of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of California - Santa Barbara Report

#21

Portland State University

Portland, Oregon
7,733 Total Awards
$43,075 Average Earnings
$29,191 Avg Student Debt

Portland State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #21 on the list. Located in Portland, Oregon, the large public school handed out 7,733 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,191 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $319, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Portland State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,075 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Portland State University

#22

University of California - Riverside

Riverside, California
7,355 Total Awards
$32,967 Average Earnings
$18,387 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Riverside landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. UCR is a public institution located in Riverside, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,355 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UCR accumulate an average of $18,387 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $150 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UCR, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,967 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of California - Riverside Report

#23

East Los Angeles College

Monterey Park, California
7,266 Total Awards
$35,172 Average Earnings
$12,276 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, East Los Angeles College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. East Los Angeles College is a public institution located in Monterey Park, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,266 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from East Los Angeles College accumulate an average of $12,276 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, East Los Angeles College graduates make an average of $35,172 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on East Los Angeles College

#24

California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
7,062 Total Awards
$43,734 Average Earnings
$17,712 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, California State University - Los Angeles did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Cal State LA is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,062 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,712 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Cal State LA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,734 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

6,998 Total Awards
$45,201 Average Earnings
$18,789 Avg Student Debt

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Pomona, California, the large public school awarded 6,998 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Cal Poly Pomona accumulate an average of $18,789 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $171, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Cal Poly Pomona graduates make an average of $45,201 annually. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

National University

La Jolla, California
#27

Golden West College

Huntington Beach, California
#28

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield, California
#29

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada
#30

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
#31

University of Oregon

Eugene, Oregon
#33

University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California
#35

Sierra College

Rocklin, California
#36

Fullerton College

Fullerton, California
#37

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
#38

Chaffey College

Rancho Cucamonga, California
#40

Moorpark College

Moorpark, California
#41

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California
#42

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, California
#44

Riverside City College

Riverside, California
#45

Long Beach City College

Long Beach, California
#46

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut, California
#47

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, California
#48

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#49

Portland Community College

Portland, Oregon
#50

California State University - San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California

View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Citrus College Glendora, CA
52 Santa Barbara City College Santa Barbara, CA
53 College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV
54 California State University - Chico Chico, CA
55 Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CA
56 Cerritos College Norwalk, CA
57 California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CA
58 Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CA
59 Irvine Valley College Irvine, CA
60 Palomar College San Marcos, CA
61 University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI
62 City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
63 Ventura College Ventura, CA
64 California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CA
65 MiraCosta College Oceanside, CA
66 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
67 American River College Sacramento, CA
68 Rio Hondo College Whittier, CA
69 Mt. San Jacinto College San Jacinto, CA
70 El Camino College Torrance, CA
71 Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CA
72 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
73 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA
74 Grossmont College El Cajon, CA
75 Brandman University Irvine, CA
76 Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills, CA
77 Cypress College Cypress, CA
78 Fresno City College Fresno, CA
79 Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA
80 California Baptist University Riverside, CA
81 De Anza College Cupertino, CA
82 Victor Valley College Victorville, CA
83 Pepperdine University Malibu, CA
84 Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CA
85 Los Angeles Valley College Valley Glen, CA
86 Antelope Valley College Lancaster, CA
87 University of San Diego San Diego, CA
88 Santiago Canyon College Orange, CA
89 San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CA
90 Southwestern College Chula Vista, CA
91 California State University - Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA
92 Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA
93 Los Angeles Harbor College Wilmington, CA
94 Merced College Merced, CA
95 College of the Sequoias Visalia, CA
96 Imperial Valley College Imperial, CA
97 Chapman University Orange, CA
98 California State University - Stanislaus Turlock, CA
99 Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA
100 Modesto Junior College Modesto, CA
101 Green River College Auburn, WA
102 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA
103 Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NV
104 Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA
105 Sacramento City College Sacramento, CA
106 Olympic College Bremerton, WA
107 Norco College Norco, CA
108 Butte College Oroville, CA
109 Seattle University Seattle, WA
110 Reedley College Reedley, CA
111 University of La Verne La Verne, CA
112 Hartnell College Salinas, CA
113 Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA
114 Oxnard College Oxnard, CA
115 Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA
116 Cabrillo College Aptos, CA
117 Coastline Community College Fountain Valley, CA
118 Chabot College Hayward, CA
119 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
120 Los Medanos College Pittsburg, CA
121 Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA
122 California State University - Channel Islands Camarillo, CA
123 California State University - Monterey Bay Seaside, CA
124 West Los Angeles College Culver City, CA
125 Folsom Lake College Folsom, CA
125 University of Washington - Bothell Campus Bothell, WA
127 Moreno Valley College Moreno Valley, CA
128 Northcentral University San Diego, CA
129 San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino, CA
130 Los Angeles Mission College Sylmar, CA

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:

Rank School Location
131 Clovis Community College Fresno, CA
132 University of California - Merced Merced, CA
133 University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK
134 University of the Pacific Stockton, CA
135 Everett Community College Everett, WA
136 University of Washington - Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA
137 Spokane Community College Spokane, WA
138 Lane Community College Eugene, OR
139 Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom Lakewood, WA
140 San Diego Mesa College San Diego, CA
141 Humboldt State University Arcata, CA
142 Clark College Vancouver, WA
143 Solano Community College Fairfield, CA
144 University of Redlands Redlands, CA
145 Mt. Hood Community College Gresham, OR
146 Unitek College Fremont, CA
147 Columbia Basin College Pasco, WA
148 Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR
149 Edmonds Community College Lynnwood, WA
150 Clover Park Technical College Lakewood, WA
151 Shasta College Redding, CA
152 Tacoma Community College Tacoma, WA
153 Glendale Community College Glendale, CA
154 West Valley College Saratoga, CA
155 Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA
156 San Diego Miramar College San Diego, CA
157 College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA
158 Contra Costa College San Pablo, CA
159 Concordia University, Irvine Irvine, CA
160 University of Phoenix - California Costa Mesa, CA
161 Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA
162 San Jose City College San Jose, CA
163 West Coast University - Orange County Anaheim, CA
164 Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA
165 South Puget Sound Community College Olympia, WA
166 Los Angeles Southwest College Los Angeles, CA
167 Cosumnes River College Sacramento, CA
168 Crafton Hills College Yucaipa, CA
169 University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos, CA
170 Shoreline Community College Shoreline, WA
171 Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts San Mateo, CA
172 Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CA
173 Monterey Peninsula College Monterey, CA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.