2025 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region
There are lots of options to choose from today when trying to decide which school to attend. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our Best Bachelor's Degree Colleges in the Far Western US Region ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.
Jump to Any of the Following Sections: * Our Methodology
Finding Your Best School Match
We analyzed 151 colleges and universities across the Far Western US Region to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. To come up with this ranking of the best schools, we look at factors that are all objective measurements. We explain more about what we look at and why we do so below.
Average Earnings
One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of bachelor's graduates during the early years of their career. After all, your degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
Taking Out Student Loans
Another factor that we look at to determine a school's ranking is the average debt load that students take on while they are working on their bachelor's degree.
We consider this number in conjunction with average post-graduation earnings to gauge the difficulty bachelor's recipients will have paying back their loans.
More Ranking Factors That Are Important
We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
On a broad level, other factors that go into our rankings include such things as the demand of the school, the student body caliber, if the school has online options, and the educational resources provided by the school.
To learn more, visit our best colleges ranking methodology page.
More Rankings to View
You may also want to
narrow this list by location to find the best bachelor's degree schools nearest you. In addition, we've put together a number of other
college rankings that may help you in your search.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
10,103
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$54,379
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,995
Average Student Debt
University of California - Berkeley tops this year’s ranking as the best school for bachelor’s degrees in the Far Western US Region for overall quality. UC Berkeley is a large public school situated in Berkeley, California. It awarded 10,103 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley make an average of $54,379 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,995.
Read full report on University of California - Berkeley
1,699
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$70,459
Average Early-Career Earnings
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Stanford University. It ranked #2 on our 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Stanford, California, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 1,699 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Stanford make an average of $70,459 a year.
Full Stanford University Report
5,642
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$54,432
Average Early-Career Earnings
$45,550
Average Student Debt
A rank of #3 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in the Far Western US Region list means University of Southern California is a great place for students working on their degree. University of Southern California is a large private not-for-profit school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 5,642 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from USC make an average of $54,432 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $45,550.
Full University of Southern California Report
9,851
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,922
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,295
Average Student Debt
A rank of #4 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in the Far Western US Region list means University of California - Los Angeles is a great place for students working on their degree. Located in Los Angeles, California, the large public school handed out 9,851 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $43,922 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $27,295 after getting their degree.
Learn More About University of California - Los Angeles
9,719
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,223
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,681
Average Student Debt
Out of the 151 bachelor’s degree schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Washington - Seattle Campus landed the #5 spot on the list. UW Seattle is a large public school situated in Seattle, Washington. It awarded 9,719 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $50,223 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $26,681 after getting their degree.
Read full report on University of Washington - Seattle Campus
240
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$130,443
Average Early-Career Earnings
$35,445
Average Student Debt
Harvey Mudd College landed the #6 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Claremont, California, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 240 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Harvey Mudd College make an average of $130,443 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $35,445.
Learn More About Harvey Mudd College
461
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$66,029
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #7, Claremont McKenna College did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Claremont McKenna is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Claremont, California. It awarded 461 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $66,029 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Claremont McKenna College
6,839
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,160
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,323
Average Student Debt
University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #8. This large public school is located in Santa Barbara, California, and it awarded 6,839 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UCSB go into careers with an average salary of $44,160 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,323 in student loans.
Learn More About University of California - Santa Barbara
9,422
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,968
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,146
Average Student Debt
University of California - San Diego came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. UCSD is a large public school situated in La Jolla, California. It awarded 9,422 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UCSD is $44,968 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,146 in student loans.
Read full report on University of California - San Diego
9,615
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,133
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,419
Average Student Debt
University of California - Davis ranked #10 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. University of California - Davis is a large public school located in Davis, California that handed out 9,615 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis go into careers with an average salary of $43,133 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,419.
Read full report on University of California - Davis
9,011
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,588
Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,621
Average Student Debt
University of California - Irvine did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #11. UC Irvine is a large public school situated in Irvine, California. It awarded 9,011 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $41,588 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $20,621 after getting their degree.
Read full report on University of California - Irvine
160
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$93,239
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,310
Average Student Debt
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #12. Located in Visalia, California, the small private for-profit school handed out 160 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia go into careers with an average salary of $93,239 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $19,310 in student loans.
Full San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Report
1,587
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$67,632
Average Early-Career Earnings
$70,949
Average Student Debt
Santa Clara University landed the #13 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. SCU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Santa Clara, California. It awarded 1,587 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $67,632 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $70,949.
Learn More About Santa Clara University
76
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$81,255
Average Early-Career Earnings
Foothill College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Foothill College is a public institution located in Los Altos Hills, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 76 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Foothill College is $81,255 during the early years of their career.
Full Foothill College Report
4,744
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,113
Average Early-Career Earnings
$28,224
Average Student Debt
University of California - Santa Cruz landed the #15 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Santa Cruz, California, and it awarded 4,744 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UC Santa Cruz make an average of $38,113 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $28,224 in student loans.
Read full report on University of California - Santa Cruz
79
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$71,275
Average Early-Career Earnings
Seattle Central College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #16. Seattle Central is located in Seattle, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 79 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Seattle Central make an average of $71,275 a year.
Read full report on Seattle Central College
146
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$77,752
Average Early-Career Earnings
Golden Gate University - San Francisco did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #17. Located in San Francisco, California, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 146 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Golden Gate University - San Francisco make an average of $77,752 a year.
Full Golden Gate University - San Francisco Report
1,526
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,921
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,505
Average Student Debt
Azusa Pacific University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Azusa, California, and it awarded 1,526 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific go into careers with an average salary of $41,921 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $30,505.
Full Azusa Pacific University Report
115
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,432
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #19, Thomas Aquinas College did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. TAC is located in Santa Paula, California and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 115 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from TAC make an average of $33,432 a year.
Learn More About Thomas Aquinas College
4,382
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,164
Average Early-Career Earnings
$52,797
Average Student Debt
University of Oregon landed the #20 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. UO is a public institution located in Eugene, Oregon. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,382 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UO is $34,164 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $52,797 in student loans.
Learn More About University of Oregon
2,104
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,548
Average Early-Career Earnings
$46,448
Average Student Debt
Chapman University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #21. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Orange, California, and it awarded 2,104 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Chapman is $38,548 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $46,448 in student loans.
Learn More About Chapman University
4,987
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$57,476
Average Early-Career Earnings
$35,683
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #22, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the large public school handed out 4,987 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo make an average of $57,476 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $35,683 in student loans.
Read full report on California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
429
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$49,489
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,383
Average Student Debt
Mount Saint Mary’s University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #23. MSMU is located in Los Angeles, California and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 429 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from MSMU make an average of $49,489 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,383 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Mount Saint Mary’s University
6,178
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$46,771
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,523
Average Student Debt
Washington State University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #24. Pullman, Washington is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 6,178 students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Wazzu make an average of $46,771 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $30,523 in student loans.
Learn More About Washington State University
8,969
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,244
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,094
Average Student Debt
San Diego State University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, coming in at #25. SDSU is located in San Diego, California and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 8,969 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from SDSU make an average of $41,244 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,094 after getting their degree.
Full San Diego State University Report
