2023 Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region
There are so many healthcare programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. 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.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Healthcare Degree Search has created its Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 257 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.
Featured schools near , edit
Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our analysis found Sierra College to be the most popular school for healthcare students who want to pursue a associate degree in the Far Western US Region . Sierra College is a fairly large public school situated in Rocklin, California. It awarded 819 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Sierra College is $1,156. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,900. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,268 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.
Sierra College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 56% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Fresno City College is a great place for healthcare students working on their associate degree. Fresno City College is a large public school situated in Fresno, California. It awarded 591 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,304 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Fresno City College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,504. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,252 in student loans. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Fresno City College. In 2019-2020 about 37% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in San Mateo, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 475 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
On average, associate degree students take out $21,393 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.
One thing to take note of is that Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 24% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Carrington College, Sacramento. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Sacramento, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 374 students in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,267 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Carrington College, Sacramento does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.
You’ll be in good company if you attend West Coast Ultrasound Institute. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. West Coast Ultrasound Institute is located in Beverly Hills, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 362 associate degrees to qualified students.
West Coast Ultrasound Institute does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $18,600. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from West Coast Ultrasound Institute accumulate an average of $25,264 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.
Saddleback College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. This fairly large public school is located in Mission Viejo, California, and it awarded 356 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Students from California who attend Saddleback College full time pay an average of $1,332 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,292. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.
One thing to take note of is that Saddleback College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 89% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Southwestern College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Chula Vista, California, and it awarded 319 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,342 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SWC Chula Vista. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,434. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,239 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SWC Chula Vista. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.
College of Southern Nevada ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. College of Southern Nevada is a large public school located in Las Vegas, Nevada that handed out 316 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CSN is $3,848. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,534. On average, associate degree students take out $14,367 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CSN does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 66% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Diablo Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Pleasant Hill, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 302 students in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Diablo Valley is $1,312. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,328. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,188 in student loans. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.
One thing to take note of is that Diablo Valley does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 42% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
Citrus College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Citrus College is a medium-sized public school situated in Glendora, California. It awarded 284 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,196 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Citrus College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,804. On average, associate degree students take out $18,558 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.
Citrus College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 45% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
Santa Ana College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. Santa Ana, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 258 students in 2020-2021.
In-state students pay an average of $1,180 in tuition and fees if they attend SAC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,684. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,579 in student loans. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SAC. In 2019-2020 about 49% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Unitek College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. Located in Fremont, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 258 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
Associate Degree recipients from Unitek College accumulate an average of $23,323 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.
Since Unitek College is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.
CBD College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. Community Based Education and Development is a private not-for-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 244 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, associate degree students take out $24,116 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.
If you are interested in distance education, Community Based Education and Development is an excellent choice, since the school is online.
With a ranking of #14, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia is a small private for-profit school situated in Visalia, California. It awarded 240 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,946 in student loans. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
Santa Rosa Junior College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. SRJC is located in Santa Rosa, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 237 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $1,328 in tuition and fees if they attend SRJC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,952. Associate Degree recipients from SRJC accumulate an average of $12,716 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.
Some students may be able to take online classes at SRJC. In fact, around 70% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Spokane Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Spokane Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Spokane, Washington. It awarded 229 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Spokane Community College is $3,826. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,135. On average, associate degree students take out $19,615 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.
One thing to take note of is that Spokane Community College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
San Joaquin Delta College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Stockton, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 222 students in 2020-2021.
Associate Degree recipients from Delta accumulate an average of $12,761 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.
Delta does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
With a ranking of #18, Mendocino College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. Mendocino College is a public institution located in Ukiah, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 206 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,423 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Mendocino College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,443. Associate Degree recipients from Mendocino College accumulate an average of $20,626 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.
Mendocino College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 98% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #19, Riverside City College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Riverside, California, and it awarded 202 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Students from California who attend Riverside City College full time pay an average of $1,420 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,120. Associate Degree recipients from Riverside City College accumulate an average of $10,247 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.
One thing to take note of is that Riverside City College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 37% took at least some of their classes online.
Mt. San Antonio College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree healthcare programs. Mt. SAC is a large public school situated in Walnut, California. It awarded 200 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
In-state students pay an average of $1,352 in tuition and fees if they attend Mt. SAC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,032. On average, associate degree students take out $10,559 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Mt. SAC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 69% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
Stanbridge University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Stanbridge is a small private for-profit school situated in Irvine, California. It awarded 199 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, associate degree students take out $30,645 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.
Online courses are available at Stanbridge, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 2% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Cuesta College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 199 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.
In-state students pay an average of $1,338 in tuition and fees if they attend Cuesta College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,702. On average, associate degree students take out $10,466 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.
Cuesta College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
University of Alaska Anchorage did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students to get an associate degree. It came in at #23 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Anchorage, Alaska, and it awarded 194 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UAA is $8,750. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,228. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,255 in student loans. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.
Online courses are available at UAA, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 95% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
El Camino College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Torrance, California, the fairly large public school awarded 192 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at El Camino College is $1,144. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,008. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.
Some students may be able to take online classes at El Camino College. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Seattle Central College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Seattle, Washington, the small public school handed out 191 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.
If you want to attend Seattle Central, expect to pay an average of $4,670 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,671 in student loans. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Seattle Central. In 2019-2020 about 69% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region
Not only did these schools make the top 39 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
Narrow Schools by State
View Most Popular Healthcare Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >
Honorable Mentions
These schools also performed well in our most popular healthcare schools ranking:
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
40 | Carrington College, Reno | Reno, NV |
41 | Santa Barbara City College | Santa Barbara, CA |
42 | Butte College | Oroville, CA |
43 | Shoreline Community College | Shoreline, WA |
43 | West Hills College-Lemoore | Lemoore, CA |
45 | Mt. Hood Community College | Gresham, OR |
46 | Antelope Valley College | Lancaster, CA |
47 | College of the Desert | Palm Desert, CA |
48 | Pima Medical Institute - Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV |
49 | Merritt College | Oakland, CA |
49 | Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV |
51 | Platt College - Los Angeles | Alhambra, CA |
52 | American Career College - Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA |
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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |