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2025 Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region

197 Colleges in the Far Western US Region
28,627 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$84,107 Avg Early-Career Salary
Nursing is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #3 most popular major in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 197 schools in the Far Western US Region to determine which ones were the best for nursing students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 28,627 degrees in nursing to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Nursing School

Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region Your choice of nursing school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Nursing School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Nursing Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Nursing
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
Master's Degrees in Nursing
Doctor's Degrees in Nursing

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Nursing in the Far Western US Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the nursing degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Far Western US Region Schools in Nursing

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
772 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.3% Growth in Graduates

Any student who is interested in nursing has to check out Samuel Merritt University. Located in the large city of Oakland, Samuel Merritt University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 772 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Samuel Merritt University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Samuel Merritt University earn $43,338 above the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Samuel Merritt University

2
Loma Linda University crest
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
229 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.2% Growth in Graduates

Loma Linda University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Located in the large suburb of Loma Linda, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 228.99999999999997 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loma Linda University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Loma Linda University get $35,932 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Loma Linda University

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Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN Program Name

With the affordable and transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University, you can build upon your prior educational journey and enhance your professional experience in a program designed to fit around your schedule.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
89 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$136,250 Median Starting Salary

University of Southern California is a good option for students pursuing a degree in nursing. USC is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 89 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Southern California receive an earnings boost of around $52,143 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Southern California

4
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
311 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.2% Growth in Graduates

Any student who is interested in nursing needs to check out Seattle University. Seattle U is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Seattle. A Best Colleges rank of #155 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Seattle U is a great university overall.

There were about 311 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Seattle University make $9,278 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Seattle University

5
USFCA crest
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
493 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.5% Growth in Graduates

USFCA is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of San Francisco. A Best Colleges rank of #152 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means USFCA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 493 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USFCA in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of San Francisco receive an earnings boost of approximately $32,876 over the average income of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of San Francisco

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
289 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were about 289 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Washington - Seattle Campus receive an earnings boost of approximately $11,906 above the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
225 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$108,103 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were about 225 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of California - Los Angeles receive $23,996 more than the average nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of California - Los Angeles

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN Program Name

At Southern New Hampshire University, we understand the demands placed on today's nursing professionals. When it comes to your education, consider saving money and time by electing the RN to MSN pathway. Eligible students will complete graduate courses within their undergraduate program. This pathway allows you to gain a BSN along the way and ultimately shorten your time within the MSN Nursing Education or Population Healthcare tracks.

More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
307 Nursing Degrees Awarded
6.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Henderson, Roseman University of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 307 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Roseman University of Health Sciences in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career wages of $85,166.

More information about a degree in nursing from Roseman University of Health Sciences

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
889 Nursing Degrees Awarded
23.5% Growth in Graduates

Azusa Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Azusa. A Best Colleges rank of #143 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Azusa Pacific is a great university overall.

There were approximately 889 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Azusa Pacific in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Azusa Pacific University earn $27,064 above the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Azusa Pacific University

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
319 Nursing Degrees Awarded
32.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Los Angeles, MSMU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #186 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means MSMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 319 nursing students who graduated with this degree at MSMU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Mount Saint Mary's University make $10,690 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Mount Saint Mary’s University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
375 Nursing Degrees Awarded
83.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Portland, University of Portland is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 29 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were roughly 375 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Portland in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Portland get an earnings boost of approximately $10,184 over the average earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Portland

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership Program Name

Get on track to lead with your online MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small suburb of Turlock, Stan State is a public university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 76th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 142 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Stan State in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from California State University - Stanislaus receive $35,249 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from California State University - Stanislaus

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
892 Nursing Degrees Awarded
12.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of North Hollywood, West Coast University - Los Angeles is a private for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 892 nursing students who graduated with this degree at West Coast University - Los Angeles in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from West Coast University - Los Angeles earn $12,426 more than the standard nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from West Coast University - Los Angeles

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
425 Nursing Degrees Awarded
16.2% Growth in Graduates

CSULB is a very large public university located in the large city of Long Beach. This university ranks 36th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 425 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at California State University - Long Beach make $30,063 more than the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from California State University - Long Beach

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,289 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$96,533 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Anaheim, West Coast University - Orange County is a private for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 1289 nursing students who graduated with this degree at West Coast University - Orange County in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at West Coast University - Orange County make $12,426 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from West Coast University - Orange County

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Program Name

Break into one of the most high-demand occupations in the nation with your online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

16
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
102 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$99,339 Median Starting Salary

MJC is a large public college located in the city of Modesto. This college ranks 32nd out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 102 nursing students who graduated with this degree at MJC in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Modesto Junior College get an earnings boost of about $15,232 over the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Modesto Junior College

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
229 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$100,221 Median Starting Salary

SDSU is a fairly large public university located in the city of San Diego. A Best Colleges rank of #185 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means SDSU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 229 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at San Diego State University earn $16,114 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from San Diego State University

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
287 Nursing Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Los Angeles, CDU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly small student population.

There were about 287 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CDU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science get $44,634 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
158 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$100,337 Median Starting Salary

PLNU is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of San Diego. This university ranks 58th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 158 nursing students who graduated with this degree at PLNU in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Point Loma Nazarene University receive an earnings boost of around $16,230 above the average income of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Point Loma Nazarene University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Nursing Education Program Name

Position the next generation of nurses for success with your online MSN in Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

20
Gonzaga crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
251 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Spokane, Gonzaga is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #195 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Gonzaga is a great university overall.

There were roughly 251 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Gonzaga in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Gonzaga University earn $28,390 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Gonzaga University

21
Merced Community College District crest
Merced College
Merced, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
53 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$107,024 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Merced, Merced Community College District is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 39th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 53 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Merced Community College District in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Merced College receive $22,917 more than the average nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Merced College

22
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
415 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$103,052 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of San Diego, National University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 37th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 415 nursing students who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at National University make $18,945 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from National University

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
72 Nursing Degrees Awarded
33.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Sacramento, Carrington College, Sacramento is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

There were about 72 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Carrington College, Sacramento in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Carrington College, Sacramento earn $20,316 more than the typical nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Carrington College, Sacramento

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety Program Name

Ensure a safer future for healthcare with your online MSN in Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
346 Nursing Degrees Awarded
7.2% Growth in Graduates

CSUSM is a large public university located in the large suburb of San Marcos. This university ranks 65th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 346 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CSUSM in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from California State University - San Marcos receive $20,632 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from California State University - San Marcos

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
115 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of San Rafael, DUofC is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 54th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 115 nursing students who graduated with this degree at DUofC in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Dominican University of California earn $13,655 more than the typical nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Dominican University of California

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region

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30
31
32

33

34
Pacific College crest
Pacific College
Costa Mesa, CA
35
36
37
38
39

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region award.

Rank College Location
40 City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
41 Concordia University, Irvine Irvine, CA
42 Touro University Nevada Henderson, NV
43 West Coast University - Ontario Ontario, CA
44 University of California - Davis Davis, CA
45 California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
46 Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA
47 California Baptist University Riverside, CA
48 Southwestern College Chula Vista, CA
49 California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
50 American University of Health Sciences Signal Hill, CA
51 California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CA
52 California State University - Monterey Bay Seaside, CA
53 Pacific Union College Angwin, CA
54 California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA
55 Butte College Oroville, CA
56 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
57 Vanguard University of Southern California Costa Mesa, CA
58 United States University San Diego, CA
59 University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI
60 Mt. San Jacinto College San Jacinto, CA
61 California State University - Channel Islands Camarillo, CA
62 Shoreline Community College Shoreline, WA
63 Yuba College Marysville, CA
64 Seattle Central College Seattle, WA
65 Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing schools for a specific state in the Far Western US Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
California 330 17,965
Washington 300 3,806
Oregon 266 1,502
Nevada 192 1,994
Hawaii 164 534
Alaska 119 177

View All Rankings >

Nursing is one of 34 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.

Nursing Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 25,069
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 1,208
Nursing Practice 596
Nursing Administration 523
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 280
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 236
Nursing Science 225
Clinical Nurse Specialist 138
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing 130
Clinical Nurse Leader 93

View All Nursing Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 19,921
Allied Health Professions 11,943
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 10,180
Health & Medical Administrative Services 9,011
Health Sciences & Services 8,038
Public Health 7,547
Dental Support Services 6,022
Mental & Social Health Services 4,719
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions 3,825
Communication Sciences 3,058

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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