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50 best colleges on the West Coast

Mar 31, 2021
Mar 31, 2021 Updated Apr 1, 2021
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Stacker rounded up the top 50 schools on the West Coast, based on Niche's 2021 Best Colleges in America list (updated February 2021). These institutions are in Oregon, Washington, and California.

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50 best colleges on the West Coast

50 best colleges on the West Coast — With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, narrowing down the field can seem impossible for prospective students. The West Coast alone has a bevy of highly rated state schools and excellent private universities, ranging in student-body size from a few hundred to tens of thousands.
Stacker rounded up the top 50 schools on the West Coast, based on Niche's 2021 Best Colleges in America list (updated February 2021). These institutions in Oregon, Washington, and California are ranked based on rigorous analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education; categories examined include academics, admissions, financial costs, student life, and other factors.
Whether you dream of spending the next four years lolling on a Southern California beach, spending weekends in trendy Seattle, or exploring nature around Portland, this list will provide a wealth of options. You can pick your best fit based on categories like location, net price, and median earnings range. College search: handled.
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turtix // Shutterstock

#50. William Jessup University

#50. William Jessup University — - Location: Rocklin, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,030
- Student to faculty ratio: 12:1
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Graduation rate: 64%
- Six-year median earnings: $37,300
- Two-year employment rate: 88%
- Overall rank: #336
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#49. University of La Verne

#49. University of La Verne — - Location: La Verne, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 3,744
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Six-year median earnings: $49,200
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #334
Brenda Rocha/Blossom // Shutterstock

#48. Westmont College

#48. Westmont College — - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,266
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Graduation rate: 79%
- Six-year median earnings: $51,400
- Two-year employment rate: 89%
- Overall rank: #327
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#47. California State University, Fullerton

#47. California State University, Fullerton — - Location: Fullerton, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 27,936
- Student to faculty ratio: 1:1
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Graduation rate: 69%
- Six-year median earnings: $47,200
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #323
Spatms // Wikimedia Commons

#46. DigiPen Institute of Technology

#46. DigiPen Institute of Technology — - Location: Redmond, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 831
- Student to faculty ratio: 13:1
- Acceptance rate: 34%
- Graduation rate: 56%
- Six-year median earnings: $80,200
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #321
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#45. Willamette University

#45. Willamette University — - Location: Salem, OR
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,759
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- Graduation rate: 69%
- Six-year median earnings: $51,100
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #315
M.O. Stevens // Wikimedia Commons

#44. University of Puget Sound

#44. University of Puget Sound — - Location: Tacoma, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,348
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- Graduation rate: 76%
- Six-year median earnings: $52,700
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #313
Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons

#43. Seattle University

#43. Seattle University — - Location: Seattle, Wa
- Undergraduate enrollment: 4,469
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- Graduation rate: 74%
- Six-year median earnings: $56,500
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #309
Calvin Marquess // Wikimedia Commons

#42. Pacific Lutheran University

#42. Pacific Lutheran University — - Location: Tacoma, Wa
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,730
- Student to faculty ratio: 12:1
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Graduation rate: 69%
- Six-year median earnings: $49,400
- Two-year employment rate: 94%
- Overall rank: #300
Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons

#41. University of California, Santa Cruz

#41. University of California, Santa Cruz — - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 17,255
- Student to faculty ratio: 19:1
- Acceptance rate: 51%
- Graduation rate: 75%
- Six-year median earnings: $46,900
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #298
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Casey Marshall // Flickr

#40. Seattle Pacific University

#40. Seattle Pacific University — - Location: Seattle, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,781
- Student to faculty ratio: 13:1
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation rate: 68%
- Six-year median earnings: $49,100
- Two-year employment rate: 94%
- Overall rank: #296
Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons

#39. Whitworth University

#39. Whitworth University — - Location: Spokane, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,304
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation rate: 75%
- Six-year median earnings: $42,100
- Two-year employment rate: 93%
- Overall rank: #280
Mojoismog // Wikimedia Commons

#38. University of California, Riverside

#38. University of California, Riverside — - Location: Riverside, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 20,210
- Student to faculty ratio: 23:1
- Acceptance rate: 57%
- Graduation rate: 76%
- Six-year median earnings: $49,700
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #275
Amerique // Wikimedia Commons

#37. The Master's University

#37. The Master's University — - Location: Santa Clarita, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 953
- Student to faculty ratio: 10:1
- Acceptance rate: 67%
- Graduation rate: 70%
- Six-year median earnings: $41,700
- Two-year employment rate: 89%
- Overall rank: #270
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#36. Biola University

#36. Biola University — - Location: La Mirada, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 3,779
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Graduation rate: 74%
- Six-year median earnings: $44,500
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #235
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Steve // Flickr

#35. University of Oregon

#35. University of Oregon — - Location: Eugene, OR
- Undergraduate enrollment: 17,550
- Student to faculty ratio: 17:1
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation rate: 74%
- Six-year median earnings: $44,800
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #225
Visitor7 // Wikimedia Commons

#34. Oregon State University

#34. Oregon State University — - Location: Corvallis, OR
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,591
- Student to faculty ratio: 17:1
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation rate: 67%
- Six-year median earnings: $49,600
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #221
Gregkeene // Wikimedia Commons

#33. University of the Pacific

#33. University of the Pacific — - Location: Stockton, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 3,584
- Student to faculty ratio: 13:1
- Acceptance rate: 66%
- Graduation rate: 71%
- Six-year median earnings: $71,700
- Two-year employment rate: 93%
- Overall rank: #220
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#32. San Diego State University

#32. San Diego State University — - Location: San Diego, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 27,453
- Student to faculty ratio: 27:1
- Acceptance rate: 34%
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Six-year median earnings: $51,000
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #218
Sprachcaffe Düsseldorf // Flickr

#31. University of San Francisco

#31. University of San Francisco — - Location: San Francisco, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,435
- Student to faculty ratio: 13:1
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Graduation rate: 75%
- Six-year median earnings: $62,300
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #209
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Carol M. Highsmith // Wikimedia Commons

#30. Gonzaga University

#30. Gonzaga University — - Location: Spokane, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 5,237
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1
- Acceptance rate: 62%
- Graduation rate: 85%
- Six-year median earnings: $56,100
- Two-year employment rate: 94%
- Overall rank: #205
SCUMATT // Wikimedia Commons

#29. California State University, Long Beach

#29. California State University, Long Beach — - Location: Long Beach, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 27,617
- Student to faculty ratio: 23:1
- Acceptance rate: 39%
- Graduation rate: 74%
- Six-year median earnings: $48,100
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #194
Carpenter Center // Wikimedia Commons

#28. Point Loma Nazarene University

#28. Point Loma Nazarene University — - Location: San Diego, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,595
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation rate: 75%
- Six-year median earnings: $50,900
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #192
Rigucci // Shutterstock

#27. Lewis & Clark College

#27. Lewis & Clark College — - Location: Portland, OR
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,058
- Student to faculty ratio: 12:1
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Graduation rate: 77%
- Six-year median earnings: $46,200
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #185
Otebig // Wikimedia Commons

#26. Washington State University

#26. Washington State University — - Location: Pullman, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 22,877
- Student to faculty ratio: 15:1
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 60%
- Six-year median earnings: $50,600
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #178
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Umptanum // Wikimedia Commons

#25. University of Portland

#25. University of Portland — - Location: Portland, OR
- Undergraduate enrollment: 3,702
- Student to faculty ratio: 12:1
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation rate: 81%
- Six-year median earnings: $58,800
- Two-year employment rate: 96%
- Overall rank: #174
M.O. Stevens // Wikimedia Commons

#24. Chapman University

#24. Chapman University — - Location: Orange, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,785
- Student to faculty ratio: 13:1
- Acceptance rate: 56%
- Graduation rate: 81%
- Six-year median earnings: $54,500
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #169
Tom Arthur // Wikimedia Commons

#23. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo

#23. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo — - Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 20,333
- Student to faculty ratio: 21:1
- Acceptance rate: 28%
- Graduation rate: 82%
- Six-year median earnings: $66,900
- Two-year employment rate: 95%
- Overall rank: #141
Indefiarch // Wikimedia Commons

#22. University of San Diego

#22. University of San Diego — - Location: San Diego, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 5,678
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- Graduation rate: 81%
- Six-year median earnings: $60,000
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #133
Ckbee // Wikimedia Commons

#21. Pepperdine University

#21. Pepperdine University — - Location: Malibu, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 3,336
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
- Acceptance rate: 32%
- Graduation rate: 86%
- Six-year median earnings: $65,500
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #129
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Wolffystyle // Wikimedia Commons

#20. Loyola Marymount University

#20. Loyola Marymount University — - Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,466
- Student to faculty ratio: 10:1
- Acceptance rate: 44%
- Graduation rate: 80%
- Six-year median earnings: $61,300
- Two-year employment rate: 93%
- Overall rank: #125
Mishigaki // Wikimedia Commons

#19. Whitman College

#19. Whitman College — - Location: Walla Walla, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,436
- Student to faculty ratio: 9:1
- Acceptance rate: 56%
- Graduation rate: 90%
- Six-year median earnings: $51,300
- Two-year employment rate: 86%
- Overall rank: #114
Adamsofen // Wikimedia Commons

#18. Occidental College

#18. Occidental College — - Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,907
- Student to faculty ratio: 9:1
- Acceptance rate: 37%
- Graduation rate: 86%
- Six-year median earnings: $50,600
- Two-year employment rate: 89%
- Overall rank: #113
Jeffrey Beall // Flickr

#17. University of California, San Diego

#17. University of California, San Diego — - Location: La Jolla, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,491
- Student to faculty ratio: 19:1
- Acceptance rate: 31%
- Graduation rate: 87%
- Six-year median earnings: $59,900
- Two-year employment rate: 89%
- Overall rank: #106
Vince Smith // Flickr

#16. University of California, Davis

#16. University of California, Davis — - Location: Davis, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,967
- Student to faculty ratio: 20:1
- Acceptance rate: 39%
- Graduation rate: 87%
- Six-year median earnings: $58,200
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #104
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Bev Sykes // Flickr

#15. Pitzer College

#15. Pitzer College — - Location: Claremont, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,050
- Student to faculty ratio: 10:1
- Acceptance rate: 14%
- Graduation rate: 85%
- Six-year median earnings: $48,700
- Two-year employment rate: 86%
- Overall rank: #102
Lauriealosh // Wikimedia Commons

#14. University of California, Irvine

#14. University of California, Irvine — - Location: Irvine, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,251
- Student to faculty ratio: 18:1
- Acceptance rate: 27%
- Graduation rate: 84%
- Six-year median earnings: $58,400
- Two-year employment rate: 90%
- Overall rank: #100
Allyunion // Wikimedia Commons

#13. University of Washington

#13. University of Washington — - Location: Seattle, WA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,496
- Student to faculty ratio: 19:1
- Acceptance rate: 52%
- Graduation rate: 84%
- Six-year median earnings: $57,700
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #93
Cody Logan // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Scripps College

#12. Scripps College — - Location: Claremont, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,046
- Student to faculty ratio: 10:1
- Acceptance rate: 32%
- Graduation rate: 90%
- Six-year median earnings: $54,100
- Two-year employment rate: 90%
- Overall rank: #85
Sdkb // Wikimedia Commons

#11. University of California, Santa Barbara

#11. University of California, Santa Barbara — - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 22,601
- Student to faculty ratio: 22:1
- Acceptance rate: 30%
- Graduation rate: 83%
- Six-year median earnings: $55,300
- Two-year employment rate: 91%
- Overall rank: #84
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Carl Jantzen // Flickr

#10. Santa Clara University

#10. Santa Clara University — - Location: Santa Clara, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 5,440
- Student to faculty ratio: 10:1
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- Graduation rate: 91%
- Six-year median earnings: $72,600
- Two-year employment rate: 94%
- Overall rank: #83
Arnaudh // Wikimedia Commons

#9. Reed College

#9. Reed College — - Location: Portland, OR
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,453
- Student to faculty ratio: 9:1
- Acceptance rate: 39%
- Graduation rate: 76%
- Six-year median earnings: $42,200
- Two-year employment rate: 88%
- Overall rank: #81
Visitor7 // Wikimedia Commons

#8. University of California, Berkeley

#8. University of California, Berkeley — - Location: Berkeley, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,570
- Student to faculty ratio: 20:1
- Acceptance rate: 16%
- Graduation rate: 93%
- Six-year median earnings: $64,700
- Two-year employment rate: 88%
- Overall rank: #46
Falcorian // Wikimedia Commons

#7. Claremont McKenna College

#7. Claremont McKenna College — - Location: Claremont, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,321
- Student to faculty ratio: 8:1
- Acceptance rate: 10%
- Graduation rate: 91%
- Six-year median earnings: $72,900
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #39
Craig Stanfill // Flickr

#6. Harvey Mudd College

#6. Harvey Mudd College — - Location: Claremont, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 887
- Student to faculty ratio: 8:1
- Acceptance rate: 14%
- Graduation rate: 92%
- Six-year median earnings: $88,800
- Two-year employment rate: 89%
- Overall rank: #28
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Imagine // Wikimedia Commons

#5. University of California, Los Angeles

#5. University of California, Los Angeles — - Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 31,009
- Student to faculty ratio: 18:1
- Acceptance rate: 12%
- Graduation rate: 92%
- Six-year median earnings: $60,700
- Two-year employment rate: 89%
- Overall rank: #24
Prayitno // Flickr

#4. Pomona College

#4. Pomona College — - Location: Claremont, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,559
- Student to faculty ratio: 7:1
- Acceptance rate: 7%
- Graduation rate: 93%
- Six-year median earnings: $58,100
- Two-year employment rate: 90%
- Overall rank: #20
Nostalgicwisdom // Wikimedia Commons

#3. University of Southern California

#3. University of Southern California — - Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 19,194
- Student to faculty ratio: 9:1
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Graduation rate: 92%
- Six-year median earnings: $74,000
- Two-year employment rate: 92%
- Overall rank: #19
Brion VIBBER // Wikimedia Commons

#2. California Institute of Technology

#2. California Institute of Technology — - Location: Pasadena, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 948
- Student to faculty ratio: 3:1
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- Graduation rate: 94%
- Six-year median earnings: $85,900
- Two-year employment rate: 89%
- Overall rank: #8
Kevin Stanchfield // Flickr

#1. Stanford University

#1. Stanford University — - Location: Stanford, CA
- Undergraduate enrollment: 7,087
- Student to faculty ratio: 5:1
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Graduation rate: 94%
- Six-year median earnings: $94,000
- Two-year employment rate: 94%
- Overall rank: #3
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Simaah // Pixabay

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