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Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region

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2023 Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region

153 Schools Ranked
$22,763 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.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This report analyzed 153 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which ones were the most popular graduate certificate 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

Naval Postgraduate School

Monterey, California
1,094 Total Awards

Our analysis found Naval Postgraduate School to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a graduate certificate in the Far Western US Region . Located in Monterey, California, the small public school handed out 1,094 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Around 22% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at Naval Postgraduate School. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 47% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#2

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
962 Total Awards
$61,396 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent graduate certificate programs at University of Southern California helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Far Western US Region . USC is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 962 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

USC does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 82% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#3

Portland State University

Portland, Oregon
811 Total Awards
$16,518 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,312 Avg Student Debt

The excellent graduate certificate programs at Portland State University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Far Western US Region . Located in Portland, Oregon, the large public school awarded 811 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $29,312 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Portland State University does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 20% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Portland State University

#4

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon
732 Total Awards
$15,569 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent graduate certificate programs at Oregon State University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Far Western US Region . Located in Corvallis, Oregon, the large public school awarded 732 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Online graduate courses are available at Oregon State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 43% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full Oregon State University Report

#5

Washington State University

Pullman, Washington
676 Total Awards
$13,740 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 153 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Washington State University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Pullman, Washington is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 676 students in 2020-2021.

Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Wazzu. During the 2019-2020 year, about 30% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Washington State University

#6

University of Oregon

Eugene, Oregon
497 Total Awards
$18,120 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Oregon ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region list. UO is a large public school situated in Eugene, Oregon. It awarded 497 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

UO does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 9% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of Oregon

#7

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, Washington
255 Total Awards

Seattle Pacific University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Seattle, Washington, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 255 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

One thing to take note of is that SPU does offer online graduate classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 83% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#8

Northcentral University

San Diego, California
245 Total Awards
$18,207 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,015 Avg Student Debt

Northcentral University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #8 on the list. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution located in San Diego, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 245 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $22,015 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Northcentral University is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read More…

#9

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, Oregon
230 Total Awards
$15,734 Average Tuition & Fees

Southern Oregon University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Located in Ashland, Oregon, the medium-sized public school awarded 230 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at Southern Oregon University. In 2019-2020 about 91% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Southern Oregon University Report

#10

California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, California
203 Total Awards
$8,280 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,477 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, California State University - Long Beach did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. CSULB is a large public school situated in Long Beach, California. It awarded 203 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Graduate Certificate recipients from CSULB accumulate an average of $18,477 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Online graduate courses are available at CSULB, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on California State University - Long Beach

#11

California State University - Northridge

Northridge, California
190 Total Awards
$8,477 Average Tuition & Fees

California State University - Northridge came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. CSUN is a large public school situated in Northridge, California. It awarded 190 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CSUN does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 91% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full California State University - Northridge Report

#12

Seattle University

Seattle, Washington
178 Total Awards
$14,310 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,447 Avg Student Debt

Seattle University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Located in Seattle, Washington, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 178 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,447 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Online graduate courses are available at Seattle U, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 71% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Seattle University Report

#12

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
177 Total Awards
$9,286 Average Tuition & Fees

San Jose State University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. San Jose, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 177 students in 2020-2021.

Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that San Jose State does offer online graduate classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on San Jose State University

#14

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
175 Total Awards
$9,570 Average Tuition & Fees

San Diego State University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in San Diego, California, the large public school handed out 175 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

One thing to take note of is that SDSU does offer online graduate classes in some areas. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Full San Diego State University Report

#15

Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, California
173 Total Awards

Saint Mary’s College of California came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. SMC is a private not-for-profit institution located in Moraga, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 173 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Saint Mary’s College of California

#16

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California
163 Total Awards
$8,738 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #16, San Francisco State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Located in San Francisco, California, the large public school awarded 163 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at SFSU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 93% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#17

Brandman University

Irvine, California
145 Total Awards
$12,720 Average Tuition & Fees

Brandman University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #17 on the list. Brandman University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Irvine, California that handed out 145 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Since the graduate programs at Brandman are primarily online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full Brandman University Report

#18

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, California
144 Total Awards
$13,356 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #18, University of California - Irvine did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Irvine, California, the large public school handed out 144 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that UC Irvine does offer online graduate classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

Keck Graduate Institute

Claremont, California
130 Total Awards
$24,498 Avg Student Debt

Keck Graduate Institute ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region list. KGI is a private not-for-profit institution located in Claremont, California. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 130 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,498 in student loans. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at KGI. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 4% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Keck Graduate Institute

#20

California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
120 Total Awards
$8,219 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, California State University - Los Angeles did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. California State University - Los Angeles is a large public school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 120 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Cal State LA does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#21

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, California
111 Total Awards
$36,380 Average Tuition & Fees

Claremont Graduate University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #21 on the list. Claremont Graduate University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Claremont, California. It awarded 111 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Claremont Graduate University does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 67% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Claremont Graduate University Report

111 Total Awards
$23,918 Average Tuition & Fees

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. The Chicago School Los Angeles Campus is a private not-for-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 111 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at The Chicago School Los Angeles Campus. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles Report

#23

University of San Diego

San Diego, California
102 Total Awards
$28,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,665 Avg Student Debt

University of San Diego did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #23 on the list. USD is a private not-for-profit institution located in San Diego, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 102 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Graduate Certificate recipients from USD accumulate an average of $12,665 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at USD. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 24% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of San Diego Report

#24

Fielding Graduate University

Santa Barbara, California
101 Total Awards

With a ranking of #24, Fielding Graduate University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Santa Barbara, California, and it awarded 101 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Fielding. In fact, around 97% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Fielding Graduate University Report

#25

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, California
84 Total Awards
$19,922 Average Tuition & Fees

Loyola Marymount University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Loyola Marymount is a private not-for-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 84 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Since the graduate programs at Loyola Marymount are primarily online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read More…

View Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank School Location
26 University of California - Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA
27 Golden Gate University - San Francisco San Francisco, CA
28 University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CA
29 Biola University La Mirada, CA
30 American College of Healthcare Sciences Portland, OR
31 Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR
31 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV

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.

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