Far West Colleges: Costs & Outcomes (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

Executive Summary (TL;DR)

Colleges in the Far West region: median public in-state tuition $8,848 (+55.2% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $68,713 (+15.7% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 92.1% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $12,125 (-10.2% vs U.S.) 2,668,213 students enrolled statewide.

Overview

Higher education across the Far West Census region spans public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. About 2,668,213 students enrolled at reporting campuses median public in-state tuition near $8,848. This regional profile aggregates College Scorecard outcomes—costs, debt, completion, earnings, and top institutions—against national benchmarks.

Related profiles

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)$8,848$22,071$12,12551.6%2,668,213
United States$5,700$9,912$13,50049.3%14,465,291

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$68,71392.1%80.7%3.7%—75.5%0.29
United States$59,40193.0%76.4%5.0%—73.8%0.36

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$8,848$22,071$12,12551.6%2,668,213$68,71392.1%
California$1,334$7,373$11,88857.0%2,131,219$72,18492.4%
Washington$5,553$18,346$12,55245.0%225,805$70,37692.0%
Oregon$6,525$11,607$13,83654.0%158,796$64,09092.1%
Nevada$4,575$9,357$10,62844.0%95,381$64,92092.6%
Hawaii$3,268$8,260$11,00045.0%41,521$57,21285.0%
AlaskaN/AN/A$17,18845.0%15,491$53,08786.3%
United States$5,700$9,912$13,50049.3%14,465,291$59,40193.0%

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$52,73488.2%75.8%4.6%—57.1%
Private nonprofit95$70,46992.0%84.0%3.1%—78.2%
Public58$67,89492.3%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, 100.0%, Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas

    Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas

    Private for-profit · 1,222 enrolled · Las Vegas

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 93.7%, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 93.3%, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 93.1%, Minerva University

    Minerva University

    Private nonprofit · 637 enrolled · San Francisco

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 92.8%, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

  6. Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 92.1%, Pomona College

    Pomona College

    Private nonprofit · 1,666 enrolled · Claremont

  7. Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 91.6%, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Graduation Rate, 90.2%, University of Southern California

    University of Southern California

    Private nonprofit · 20,443 enrolled · Los Angeles

  9. Rank 9, Graduation Rate, 89.9%, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  10. Rank 10, Graduation Rate, 89.8%, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

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, 97.5%, Cal Poly Maritime Academy

    Cal Poly Maritime Academy

    Public · 804 enrolled · Vallejo

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 97.4%, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 97.1%, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 96.7%, Gonzaga University

    Gonzaga University

    Private nonprofit · 5,198 enrolled · Spokane

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 96.4%, Oregon Health & Science University

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Public · 836 enrolled · Portland

  6. Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 96.2%, Chamberlain University-Nevada

    Chamberlain University-Nevada

    Private for-profit · 652 enrolled · Las Vegas

  7. Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 96.2%, Chamberlain University-California

    Chamberlain University-California

    Private for-profit · 751 enrolled · Rancho Cordova

  8. Rank 8, Employment Outcome, 95.6%, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled · Santa Clara

  9. Rank 9, Employment Outcome, 95.6%, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    Public · 21,996 enrolled · San Luis Obispo

  10. Rank 10, Employment Outcome, 95.4%, Dominican University of California

    Dominican University of California

    Private nonprofit · 1,114 enrolled

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, $182,273, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $161,143, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $160,167, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $157,763, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $155,416, University of Southern California

    University of Southern California

    Private nonprofit · 20,443 enrolled · Los Angeles

  6. Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $148,803, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

  7. Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $147,670, University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    University of Washington-Bothell Campus

    Public · 5,457 enrolled · Bothell

  8. Rank 8, Entry-Level Earnings, $147,670, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

    Public · 4,185 enrolled · Tacoma

  9. Rank 9, Entry-Level Earnings, $147,670, University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Public · 31,942 enrolled · Seattle

  10. Rank 10, Entry-Level Earnings, $145,008, San Francisco State University

    San Francisco State University

    Public · 18,639 enrolled · San Francisco

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 · Bothell

  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, $148,943, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $132,493, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $124,285, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $112,810, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $102,321, Oregon Health & Science University

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Public · 836 enrolled · Portland

  6. Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $102,057, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  7. Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $101,530, Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 536 enrolled · Henderson

  8. Rank 8, Mid-Career Earnings, $98,984, West Coast University-Ontario

    West Coast University-Ontario

    Private for-profit · 2,671 enrolled · Ontario

  9. Rank 9, Mid-Career Earnings, $98,984, West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County

    West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

  10. Rank 10, Mid-Career Earnings, $96,609, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled · Santa Clara

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, $180,287, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $148,074, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $132,963, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $122,905, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $108,496, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled · Santa Clara

  6. Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $106,956, Oregon Health & Science University

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Public · 836 enrolled · Portland

  7. Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $106,534, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  8. Rank 8, 8-Yr Earnings, $102,728, West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County

    West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

  9. Rank 9, 8-Yr Earnings, $102,728, West Coast University-Ontario

    West Coast University-Ontario

    Private for-profit · 2,671 enrolled · Ontario

  10. Rank 10, 8-Yr Earnings, $100,310, Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 536 enrolled · Henderson

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, $166,642, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $164,248, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $151,150, Samuel Merritt University

    Samuel Merritt University

    Private nonprofit · 718 enrolled · Oakland

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $127,532, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $125,340, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $117,193, Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara University

    Private nonprofit · 6,552 enrolled · Santa Clara

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $109,788, Oregon Health & Science University

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Public · 836 enrolled · Portland

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr Earnings, $108,902, Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Roseman University of Health Sciences

    Private nonprofit · 536 enrolled · Henderson

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr Earnings, $105,475, Cal Poly Maritime Academy

    Cal Poly Maritime Academy

    Public · 804 enrolled · Vallejo

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr Earnings, $104,344, West Coast University-Ontario

    West Coast University-Ontario

    Private for-profit · 2,671 enrolled · Ontario

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, $754,420, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $541,500, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $514,302, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $427,256, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $408,474, Cal Poly Maritime Academy

    Cal Poly Maritime Academy

    Public · 804 enrolled · Vallejo

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $381,926, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $353,614, Loma Linda University

    Loma Linda University

    Private nonprofit · 909 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $342,856, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

    Public · 21,996 enrolled · San Luis Obispo

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr ROI, $341,416, University of California-San Diego

    University of California-San Diego

    Public · 34,948 enrolled · La Jolla

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr ROI, $329,248, West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County

    West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

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, $2,385, California State University-Los Angeles

    California State University-Los Angeles

    Public · 19,562 enrolled · Los Angeles

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $3,565, California State University-Stanislaus

    California State University-Stanislaus

    Public · 8,385 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $3,946, California State University-San Bernardino

    California State University-San Bernardino

    Public · 15,023 enrolled · San Bernardino

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $4,001, California State University-Bakersfield

    California State University-Bakersfield

    Public · 8,577 enrolled · Bakersfield

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $5,115, California State University-Fullerton

    California State University-Fullerton

    Public · 38,546 enrolled · Fullerton

  6. Rank 6, Net Price, $5,418, California State University-Fresno

    California State University-Fresno

    Public · 21,605 enrolled · Fresno

  7. Rank 7, Net Price, $6,858, California State University-East Bay

    California State University-East Bay

    Public · 9,809 enrolled · Hayward

  8. Rank 8, Net Price, $6,346, California State University-Northridge

    California State University-Northridge

    Public · 32,691 enrolled · Northridge

  9. Rank 9, Net Price, $7,570, University of Alaska Fairbanks

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Public · 4,207 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Net Price, $8,144, University of Hawaii-West Oahu

    University of Hawaii-West Oahu

    Public · 2,519 enrolled · Kapolei

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-Anaheim-Orange County

    West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County

    Private for-profit · 3,192 enrolled · Anaheim

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 100.0%, Chamberlain University-California

    Chamberlain University-California

    Private for-profit · 751 enrolled · Rancho Cordova

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 98.2%, Stanford University

    Stanford University

    Private nonprofit · 7,554 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 98.1%, Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont McKenna College

    Private nonprofit · 1,388 enrolled · Claremont

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 98.0%, Minerva University

    Minerva University

    Private nonprofit · 637 enrolled · San Francisco

  6. Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 97.5%, Pomona College

    Pomona College

    Private nonprofit · 1,666 enrolled · Claremont

  7. Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 97.4%, California Institute of Technology

    California Institute of Technology

    Private nonprofit · 987 enrolled · Pasadena

  8. Rank 8, First-Year Retention, 97.3%, University of California-Los Angeles

    University of California-Los Angeles

    Public · 33,475 enrolled · Los Angeles

  9. Rank 9, First-Year Retention, 96.8%, University of California-Berkeley

    University of California-Berkeley

    Public · 33,068 enrolled · Berkeley

  10. Rank 10, First-Year Retention, 96.4%, Harvey Mudd College

    Harvey Mudd College

    Private nonprofit · 921 enrolled · Claremont

In-state tuition: Far West vs benchmarks

Sticker price

Far West median in-state tuition is $8,848, +55.2% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: Far West vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in Far West is $12,125 (-10.2% vs U.S. median $13,500). Regional median: $12,125. 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 $68,713 (+15.7% 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 92.1% at the median Far West campus (-0.9 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 $8,848, about +55.2% vs the national median.

Median graduate debt is $12,125 (-10.2% below the U.S. median of $13,500). 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 $68,713, about +15.7% vs the U.S. campus median ($59,401).

The median campus reports 92.1% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 93.0% (-0.9 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 76.4%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 3.7% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 75.5% (U.S. 73.8%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Cal Poly Maritime Academy (97.5%), Samuel Merritt University (97.4%), Harvey Mudd College (97.1%), Gonzaga University (96.7%), Oregon Health & Science University (96.4%), Chamberlain University-Nevada (96.2%), Chamberlain University-California (96.2%), Santa Clara University (95.6%), California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (95.6%), Dominican University of California (95.4%)—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 $52,734 (18 campuses); Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $70,469 (95 campuses); Public median 10-yr earnings $67,894 (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 51.6% (national institution average about 49.3%).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in the Far West region?

The Far West regional profile aggregates 898 campuses and about 2,668,213 reported enrollment across member states.

What does college cost in the Far West region?

Regional median in-state tuition is $8,848 and median net price is $22,071 (+55.2% vs U.S. tuition median). National medians are $5,700 and $9,912.

What do graduates earn in the Far West region?

Median 10-year earnings across Far West campuses is $68,713 vs $59,401 nationally.

What is typical student debt in the Far West region?

Regional median completer debt is $12,125 vs $13,500 nationally.

Which states are in the Far West region?

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?

Among reporting campuses: 58 public, 95 private nonprofit, and 18 private for-profit.

What are the top colleges in the Far West region?

Standouts in regional Top 10 lists include California Institute of Technology and Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas.

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

Among 898 campuses in the Far West region, 2 tribal colleges (IPEDS TRIBAL flag), including Northwest Indian College and Ilisagvik College; 491 campuses report at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment in U.S. Department of Education data; 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