2023 Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region
A nursing student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.
Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 310 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which ones were the most popular programs for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.
Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our analysis found West Coast University - Orange County to be the most popular school for nursing students in the Far Western US Region . West Coast University - Orange County is a private for-profit institution located in Anaheim, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,563 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,259 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $742 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from West Coast University - Orange County, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $79,576 during the early years of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.
The programs at Unitek College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Far Western US Region . Fremont, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 2,114 students in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $12,845 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $165, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Unitek College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,641 during the early years of their career. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private for-profit institution located in San Mateo, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,423 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,681 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $178. During the early years of their career, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts graduates make an average of $52,087 annually. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.
A rank of #4 on this year’s list means West Coast University - Los Angeles is a great place for nursing students. Located in North Hollywood, California, the small private for-profit school handed out 892 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $63,712 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $742. Once they receive their degree, West Coast University - Los Angeles graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $78,592 during the early year of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.
Out of the 310 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Samuel Merritt University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Oakland, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 964 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $150,564 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $601 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Samuel Merritt University graduates make an average of $96,872 annually. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.
West Coast University - Ontario landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. This small private for-profit school is located in Ontario, California, and it awarded 842 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $31,215 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $742 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, West Coast University - Ontario graduates make an average of $80,831 annually. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.
Azusa Pacific University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Azusa Pacific is a private not-for-profit institution located in Azusa, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,893 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $57,692 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $380, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Azusa Pacific graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,840 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.
College of Southern Nevada ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the large public school handed out 5,307 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,507 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CSN graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,877 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.
University of San Francisco landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Located in San Francisco, California, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 3,309 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from USFCA accumulate an average of $48,821 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $758 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from USFCA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,640 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.
United States University ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in San Diego, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 740 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $33,213 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from USU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $85,412 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #11, Washington State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Wazzu is located in Pullman, Washington and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 9,043 degrees to qualified students.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,795 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $390. Once they receive their degree, Wazzu graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,774 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #11, California State University - Fullerton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. This large public school is located in Fullerton, California, and it awarded 11,468 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,350 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $219. During the early years of their career, Cal State Fullerton graduates make an average of $47,875 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.
Oregon Health & Science University ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Portland, Oregon is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,030 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from OHSU accumulate an average of $91,465 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $249 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from OHSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $95,327 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.
National University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. San Diego, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 6,315 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from National University accumulate an average of $33,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $294 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from National University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,580 during the early years of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.
California State University - Long Beach came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Long Beach, California, the large public school handed out 11,287 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $21,321 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CSULB graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,445 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
Nevada State College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. NSC is located in Henderson, Nevada and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 876 degrees to qualified students.
On average, students take out $23,144 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from NSC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,494 during the early years of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.
Riverside City College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Riverside, California, the fairly large public school handed out 5,279 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,407 in student loans.After graduating from Riverside City College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,562 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.
California State University - San Marcos landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. CSUSM is a public institution located in San Marcos, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,089 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,385 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $231, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, CSUSM graduates make an average of $43,115 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.
Read full report on California State University - San Marcos
California State University - Sacramento ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Sac State is a large public school situated in Sacramento, California. It awarded 8,266 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Sac State accumulate an average of $23,496 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $202, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Sac State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,098 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.
Seattle University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students. It came in at #20 on the list. Seattle U is located in Seattle, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,496 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from Seattle U accumulate an average of $47,167 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $886. Once they receive their degree, Seattle U graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,066 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.
Roseman University of Health Sciences ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Henderson, Nevada, and it awarded 665 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Roseman University of Health Sciences accumulate an average of $222,842 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $603. Once they receive their degree, Roseman University of Health Sciences graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $98,422 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.
American Career College - Los Angeles came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This small private for-profit school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 987 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $15,345 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $139.After graduating from American Career College - Los Angeles, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,752 during the early years of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.
Summit College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. San Bernardino, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 860 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,016 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $85 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Summit College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,576 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 27% were women.
College of the Sequoias came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Visalia, California, and it awarded 2,719 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from College of the Sequoias accumulate an average of $9,218 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, College of the Sequoias graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,164 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.
Carrington College, Sacramento ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Carrington College, Sacramento is a private for-profit institution located in Sacramento, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,150 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Carrington College, Sacramento accumulate an average of $17,149 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $134. Once they receive their degree, Carrington College, Sacramento graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,519 during the early year of their career. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region
Not only did these schools make the top 47 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
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Honorable Mentions
These schools also performed well in our most popular nursing schools ranking:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA |
| 49 | Butte College | Oroville, CA |
| 49 | University of California - San Francisco | San Francisco, CA |
| 51 | Healthcare Career College | Paramount, CA |
| 52 | University of Phoenix - California | Ontario, CA |
| 53 | Saddleback College | Mission Viejo, CA |
| 54 | University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage, AK |
| 54 | Glendale Community College | Glendale, CA |
| 56 | Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA |
| 57 | University of Washington - Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA |
| 58 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA |
| 58 | California State University - Fresno | Fresno, CA |
| 58 | Carrington College, Reno | Reno, NV |
| 61 | California State University - San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA |
| 62 | Santa Rosa Junior College | Santa Rosa, CA |
| 63 | Western Nevada College | Carson City, NV |
Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
References
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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