Far West Colleges: Costs & Outcomes (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

TL;DR

EDsmart Data analysis of 2024 College Scorecard data for Far West shows: median public in-state tuition $8,605 (+56.1% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $64,010 (+17.8% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 89.6% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $12,000 (-10.7% vs U.S.) 2,696,394 students enrolled statewide.

Key Facts

  • Institutions in this profile: 910 campuses
  • Total college enrollment: 2,696,394 students
  • Median public in-state tuition: $8,605 (+56.1% vs U.S.)
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry: $64,010 (+17.8% vs U.S.)
  • Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 89.6% (+1.7 pp vs U.S.)
  • Median net price: $19,130 (+91.9% vs U.S.)
  • Median student debt at graduation: $12,000 (-10.7% vs U.S. $13,432); regional median $12,000. Debt rank: #4 nationally of 9 (lower debt = better rank)
  • Average completion rate (institutions in state): 53.6%
  • Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 80.7%
  • Student debt rank: #4 nationally of 9 (lower debt = better rank)

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Overview

EDsmart Data aggregates College Scorecard campus data across Far West (Census region)—costs, debt, enrollment, completion, earnings, and top institutions—vs U.S. benchmarks.

Far West vs national benchmarks

Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.

State versus regional and national education metrics
Geography In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion rate Enrollment
Far West (region)$8,605$19,130$12,00053.6%2,696,394
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370

Earnings & employment outcomes: Far West vs benchmarks

Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.

Earnings and employment outcome benchmarks
Geography Median earnings (10 yr) Working & not enrolled (8 yr) Retention (FT yr 1) 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment progress Debt ÷ earnings
Far West$64,01089.6%80.7%3.8%—75.4%0.32
United States$54,32387.9%76.3%5.0%—73.7%0.41

States in Far West

Member states in this Census region (by enrollment).

Peer comparison table
State In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion Enrollment Earnings (10 yr) Working (8 yr)
Far West$8,605$19,130$12,00053.6%2,696,394$64,01089.6%
California$1,350$8,343$11,40058.5%2,158,168$65,98690.1%
Washington$5,356$9,863$13,65346.4%226,333$63,53890.2%
Oregon$6,345$10,548$13,59555.1%159,039$60,17289.5%
Nevada$4,358$10,359$9,50038.0%95,795$57,82687.1%
Hawaii$3,268$8,556$11,75042.0%41,568$52,20982.5%
AlaskaN/AN/A$19,66040.4%15,491$50,36882.0%
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370$54,32387.9%

Outcomes by sector in Far West

Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).

Sector Campuses Median earnings (10 yr) Working share (8 yr) Retention 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment
Private for-profit18$65,44881.7%75.8%6.5%—59.6%
Private nonprofit96$64,77888.6%84.0%3.2%—77.8%
Public58$63,59990.6%79.6%4.3%—75.0%

Top 10 colleges in Far West by graduation rate (150% time)

Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.

  1. Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 94.4%, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 93.2%, Pomona College

    Pomona College

    Private nonprofit · 1,666 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 92.8%, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 92.6%, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 91.9%, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 91.9%, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  7. Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 91.8%, University of Southern California

    University of Southern California

    Private nonprofit · 20,443 enrolled · Los Angeles

  8. Rank 8, Graduation Rate, 91.4%, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  9. Rank 9, Graduation Rate, 87.9%, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Graduation Rate, 86.9%, University of California-Irvine

    University of California-Irvine

    Public · 30,197 enrolled · Irvine

Top 10 colleges in Far West by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)

Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 94.8%, California State University Maritime Academy

    California State University Maritime Academy

    Public · 804 enrolled · Vallejo

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 94.7%, Oregon Health & Science University

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Public · 836 enrolled · Portland

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 94.7%, Gonzaga University

    Gonzaga University

    Private nonprofit · 5,198 enrolled · Spokane

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 94.2%, Westmont College

    Westmont College

    Private nonprofit · 1,302 enrolled · Santa Barbara

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 94.1%, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    Public · 21,996 enrolled · San Luis Obispo

  6. Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 94.0%, Linfield University

    Linfield University

    Private nonprofit · 1,621 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 93.8%, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  8. Rank 8, Employment Outcome, 93.6%, Loma Linda University

    Loma Linda University

    Private nonprofit · 909 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Employment Outcome, 93.6%, West Coast University-Ontario

    West Coast University-Ontario

    Private for-profit · 2,671 enrolled · Ontario

  10. Rank 10, Employment Outcome, 93.6%, West Coast University-Orange County

    West Coast University-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

Top 10 most selective colleges in Far West (lowest admission rate)

Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.

  1. Rank 1, Admission Rate, 2.6%, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  2. Rank 2, Admission Rate, 3.0%, Minerva University

    Minerva University

    Private nonprofit · 637 enrolled · San Francisco

  3. Rank 3, Admission Rate, 3.6%, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Admission Rate, 7.1%, Pomona College

    Pomona College

    Private nonprofit · 1,666 enrolled · Claremont

  5. Rank 5, Admission Rate, 9.0%, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

  6. Rank 6, Admission Rate, 9.6%, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  7. Rank 7, Admission Rate, 9.8%, University of Southern California

    University of Southern California

    Private nonprofit · 20,443 enrolled · Los Angeles

  8. Rank 8, Admission Rate, 11.0%, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  9. Rank 9, Admission Rate, 12.7%, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  10. Rank 10, Admission Rate, 24.6%, Reed College

    Reed College

    Private nonprofit · 1,320 enrolled · Portland

Top 10 colleges in Far West by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.

  1. Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $173,344, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $166,573, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $149,866, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $143,084, Pomona College

    Pomona College

    Private nonprofit · 1,666 enrolled · Claremont

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $141,588, University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    Public · 5,457 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $141,588, University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Public · 31,942 enrolled · Seattle

  7. Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $141,588, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    Public · 4,185 enrolled · Tacoma

  8. Rank 8, Entry-Level Earnings, $138,613, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Entry-Level Earnings, $137,284, University of Southern California

    University of Southern California

    Private nonprofit · 20,443 enrolled · Los Angeles

  10. Rank 10, Entry-Level Earnings, $136,099, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

Top 10 colleges in Far West by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.

  1. Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $228,705, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

  2. Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $217,051, Pomona College

    Pomona College

    Private nonprofit · 1,666 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $214,907, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $204,379, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  5. Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $200,511, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  6. Rank 6, Early-Career Earnings, $198,257, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  7. Rank 7, Early-Career Earnings, $192,897, University of Southern California

    University of Southern California

    Private nonprofit · 20,443 enrolled · Los Angeles

  8. Rank 8, Early-Career Earnings, $175,616, University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    Public · 5,457 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Early-Career Earnings, $175,616, University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Public · 31,942 enrolled · Seattle

  10. Rank 10, Early-Career Earnings, $171,261, University of the Pacific

    University of the Pacific

    Private nonprofit · 3,204 enrolled · Stockton

Top 10 colleges in Far West by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $143,353, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $132,140, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $115,107, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $102,887, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $99,818, Oregon Health & Science University

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Public · 836 enrolled · Portland

  6. Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $96,993, Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 536 enrolled · Henderson

  7. Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $96,114, West Coast University-Ontario

    West Coast University-Ontario

    Private for-profit · 2,671 enrolled · Ontario

  8. Rank 8, Mid-Career Earnings, $96,114, West Coast University-Orange County

    West Coast University-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

  9. Rank 9, Mid-Career Earnings, $96,114, West Coast University-Los Angeles

    West Coast University-Los Angeles

    Private for-profit · 2,673 enrolled · North Hollywood

  10. Rank 10, Mid-Career Earnings, $91,198, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Far West by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $147,923, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $144,598, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $142,597, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $109,851, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $105,942, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  6. Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $103,740, Oregon Health & Science University

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Public · 836 enrolled · Portland

  7. Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $102,981, Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 536 enrolled · Henderson

  8. Rank 8, 8-Yr Earnings, $100,202, California State University Maritime Academy

    California State University Maritime Academy

    Public · 804 enrolled · Vallejo

  9. Rank 9, 8-Yr Earnings, $99,543, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, 8-Yr Earnings, $98,146, West Coast University-Ontario

    West Coast University-Ontario

    Private for-profit · 2,671 enrolled · Ontario

Top 10 colleges in Far West by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $143,238, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $138,687, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $128,566, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $124,080, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $120,163, Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 536 enrolled · Henderson

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $109,183, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $104,736, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr Earnings, $102,672, West Coast University-Ontario

    West Coast University-Ontario

    Private for-profit · 2,671 enrolled · Ontario

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr Earnings, $102,672, West Coast University-Orange County

    West Coast University-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr Earnings, $102,672, West Coast University-Los Angeles

    West Coast University-Los Angeles

    Private for-profit · 2,673 enrolled · North Hollywood

Top 10 colleges in Far West by 10-year ROI

Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $581,743, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $507,427, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $499,472, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $381,819, California State University Maritime Academy

    California State University Maritime Academy

    Public · 804 enrolled · Vallejo

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $363,472, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $345,882, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $332,239, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    Public · 21,996 enrolled · San Luis Obispo

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $322,954, University of California-San Diego

    University of California-San Diego

    Public · 34,948 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr ROI, $310,291, West Coast University-Orange County

    West Coast University-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr ROI, $304,018, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    Public · 4,185 enrolled · Tacoma

Top 10 most affordable colleges in Far West (net price)

Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.

  1. Rank 1, Net Price, $4,564, California State University-San Bernardino

    California State University-San Bernardino

    Public · 15,023 enrolled · San Bernardino

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $3,967, California State University-Los Angeles

    California State University-Los Angeles

    Public · 19,562 enrolled · Los Angeles

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $5,652, California State University-Bakersfield

    California State University-Bakersfield

    Public · 8,577 enrolled · Bakersfield

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $6,067, California State University-Stanislaus

    California State University-Stanislaus

    Public · 8,385 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $6,555, California State University-Fullerton

    California State University-Fullerton

    Public · 38,546 enrolled · Fullerton

  6. Rank 6, Net Price, $10,163, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    Public · 4,185 enrolled · Tacoma

  7. Rank 7, Net Price, $7,000, California State University-Fresno

    California State University-Fresno

    Public · 21,605 enrolled · Fresno

  8. Rank 8, Net Price, $7,021, California State University-Northridge

    California State University-Northridge

    Public · 32,691 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Net Price, $14,091, University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Public · 31,942 enrolled · Seattle

  10. Rank 10, Net Price, $12,319, University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    Public · 5,457 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in Far West by first-year retention (full-time)

Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 100.0%, West Coast University-Los Angeles

    West Coast University-Los Angeles

    Private for-profit · 2,673 enrolled · North Hollywood

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 100.0%, West Coast University-Orange County

    West Coast University-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 100.0%, Chamberlain University-California

    Chamberlain University-California

    Private for-profit · 751 enrolled · Rancho Cordova

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 98.2%, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 98.1%, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  6. Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 98.0%, Minerva University

    Minerva University

    Private nonprofit · 637 enrolled · San Francisco

  7. Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 97.5%, Pomona College

    Pomona College

    Private nonprofit · 1,666 enrolled · Claremont

  8. Rank 8, First-Year Retention, 97.4%, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  9. Rank 9, First-Year Retention, 97.3%, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

  10. Rank 10, First-Year Retention, 96.8%, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

In-state tuition: Far West vs benchmarks

Sticker price

Far West median in-state tuition is $8,605, +56.1% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: Far West vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in Far West is $12,000 (-10.7% vs U.S. median $13,432). Regional median: $12,000. Rank: #4 nationally of 9 (lower debt = better rank).

Median earnings (10 years out): Far West vs benchmarks

Payoff

Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in Far West center around $64,010 (+17.8% vs U.S.).

Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.

Employment outcome proxy: Far West vs benchmarks

Working & not enrolled

The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 89.6% at the median Far West campus (+1.7 pp vs U.S.).

Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).

Analysis & insights

EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.

Costs & borrowing

Far West median public in-state tuition is $8,605, about +56.1% vs the national median.

Median graduate debt is $12,000 (-10.7% below the U.S. median of $13,432). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.

Student debt rank: #4 nationally of 9 (lower debt = better rank) (1 = lowest median debt).

Earnings, employment & retention

Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in Far West are $64,010, about +17.8% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,323).

The median campus reports 89.6% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 87.9% (+1.7 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.

First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 80.7% vs a U.S. median of 76.3%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 3.8% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 75.4% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include California State University Maritime Academy (94.8%), Oregon Health & Science University (94.7%), Gonzaga University (94.7%), Westmont College (94.2%), California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (94.1%), Linfield University (94.0%), Samuel Merritt University (93.8%), Loma Linda University (93.6%), West Coast University-Ontario (93.6%), West Coast University-Orange County (93.6%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.

Completion & workforce context

Within Far West, sector medians diverge: Private for-profit median 10-yr earnings $65,448 (18 campuses); Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $64,778 (96 campuses); Public median 10-yr earnings $63,599 (58 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.

Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in Far West is 53.6% (national institution average about 50.3%).

FAQ

How many colleges are in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: the Far West regional profile aggregates 910 campuses and about 2,696,394 reported enrollment across member states.

What does college cost in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: regional median in-state tuition is $8,605 and median net price is $19,130 (+56.1% vs U.S. tuition median). National medians are $5,512 and $9,967.

What do graduates earn in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: median 10-year earnings across Far West campuses is $64,010 vs $54,323 nationally.

What is typical student debt in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: regional median completer debt is $12,000 vs $13,432 nationally.

Which states are in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: member states in this Census region include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington.

How many public vs. private colleges are in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: among reporting campuses: 58 public, 96 private nonprofit, and 18 private for-profit.

What are the top colleges in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: standouts in regional Top 10 lists include Samuel Merritt University and California Institute of Technology.

Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in the Far West region?

EDsmart Data analysis: among 910 campuses in the Far West region, 2 tribal colleges (IPEDS TRIBAL flag), including Northwest Indian College and Ilisagvik College; 504 campuses with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment in College Scorecard demographics—a common Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) eligibility proxy; examples include Charter College, College of Alameda, and Allan Hancock College; 84 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Roman Catholic (17), Undenominational (8), Assemblies of God Church (6).

Sources & related