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Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region

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2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region

546 Schools Ranked
$43,926 Average Earnings
$19,742 Avg Student Debt

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.

The Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking is one of many tools that Healthcare Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 546 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which 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.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
1,950 Total Awards
$65,044 Average Earnings
$15,661 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Southern California the most popular school in the Far Western US Region for healthcare students working on their degree. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,950 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,661 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $489. Once they receive their degree, USC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $65,044 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Southern California

1,845 Total Awards
$57,782 Average Earnings
$18,284 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Washington - Seattle Campus is a great place for healthcare students. Located in Seattle, Washington, the large public school handed out 1,845 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UW Seattle accumulate an average of $18,284 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $303, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UW Seattle graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,782 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Read full report on University of Washington - Seattle Campus

#3

Unitek College

Fremont, California
1,758 Total Awards
$49,641 Average Earnings
$16,947 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Unitek College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular healthcare schools in the Far Western US Region . Unitek College is a small private for-profit school located in Fremont, California that handed out 1,758 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,947 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $130 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Unitek College graduates make an average of $49,641 annually. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Unitek College Report

1,596 Total Awards
$79,576 Average Earnings
$35,896 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 546 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, West Coast University - Orange County landed the # 4 spot on the list. This small private for-profit school is located in Anaheim, California, and it awarded 1,596 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from West Coast University - Orange County accumulate an average of $35,896 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $639, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, West Coast University - Orange County graduates make an average of $79,576 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Full West Coast University - Orange County Report

1,515 Total Awards
$70,345 Average Earnings

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region list. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is a medium-sized private for-profit school located in San Marcos, California that handed out 1,515 degrees in 2020-2021.

Once they receive their degree, USAHS graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $70,345 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

#6

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Mateo, California
1,454 Total Awards
$52,087 Average Earnings
$18,438 Avg Student Debt

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is located in San Mateo, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,454 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $18,438 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $118. During the early years of their career, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts graduates make an average of $52,087 annually. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

#7

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, California
1,446 Total Awards
$77,096 Average Earnings
$27,492 Avg Student Debt

Loma Linda University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Loma Linda, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,446 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Loma Linda University accumulate an average of $27,492 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 $416.After graduating from Loma Linda University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $77,096 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full Loma Linda University Report

#8

National University

La Jolla, California
1,319 Total Awards
$58,580 Average Earnings
$31,362 Avg Student Debt

National University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 1,319 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $31,362 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $198, assuming you 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 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on National University

#9

Sierra College

Rocklin, California
1,203 Total Awards
$16,268 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Sierra College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Sierra College is a fairly large public school located in Rocklin, California that handed out 1,203 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Sierra College accumulate an average of $16,268 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Sierra College Report

#10

California State University - Northridge

Northridge, California
1,194 Total Awards
$44,924 Average Earnings
$18,166 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Northridge came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Northridge, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,194 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CSUN accumulate an average of $18,166 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, CSUN graduates make an average of $44,924 annually. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on California State University - Northridge

#11

Northwest Career College

Las Vegas, Nevada
1,173 Total Awards
$23,983 Average Earnings
$14,718 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Career College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Northwest Career College is a private for-profit institution located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,173 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,718 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $55, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Northwest Career College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,983 during the early year of their career. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northwest Career College Report

#13

California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, California
1,124 Total Awards
$47,875 Average Earnings
$17,931 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, California State University - Fullerton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Cal State Fullerton is a public institution located in Fullerton, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,124 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,931 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $191, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Cal State Fullerton, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,875 during the early years of their career. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on California State University - Fullerton

#14

California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, California
1,033 Total Awards
$45,445 Average Earnings
$17,702 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Long Beach came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. CSULB is a large public school situated in Long Beach, California. It awarded 1,033 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,702 in student loans.After graduating from CSULB, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,445 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full California State University - Long Beach Report

#15

Charter College

Vancouver, Washington
1,007 Total Awards
$35,122 Average Earnings
$22,228 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Charter College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Charter College is a small private for-profit school located in Vancouver, Washington that handed out 1,007 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,228 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Charter College graduates make an average of $35,122 annually. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Charter College Report

989 Total Awards
$95,327 Average Earnings
$33,079 Avg Student Debt

Oregon Health & Science University ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region list. OHSU is a small public school situated in Portland, Oregon. It awarded 989 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from OHSU accumulate an average of $33,079 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 $332. During the early years of their career, OHSU graduates make an average of $95,327 annually. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Oregon Health & Science University Report

#17

College of Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada
948 Total Awards
$34,877 Average Earnings
$14,327 Avg Student Debt

College of Southern Nevada landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the large public school awarded 948 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,327 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 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Full College of Southern Nevada Report

#18

American Career College - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
947 Total Awards
$37,752 Average Earnings
$18,684 Avg Student Debt

American Career College - Los Angeles came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 947 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,684 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $126, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, American Career College - Los Angeles graduates make an average of $37,752 annually. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full American Career College - Los Angeles Report

#19

Carrington College, Sacramento

Sacramento, California
937 Total Awards
$39,519 Average Earnings
$22,403 Avg Student Debt

Carrington College, Sacramento did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #19 on the list. Carrington College, Sacramento is located in Sacramento, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 937 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $22,403 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $94 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Carrington College, Sacramento graduates make an average of $39,519 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Read full report on Carrington College, Sacramento

#20

University of California - San Francisco

San Francisco, California
934 Total Awards
$86,882 Average Earnings

University of California - San Francisco landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Located in San Francisco, California, the small public school handed out 934 degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, UCSF graduates make an average of $86,882 annually. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of California - San Francisco Report

882 Total Awards
$43,406 Average Earnings
$20,835 Avg Student Debt

University of Nevada - Reno ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This large public school is located in Reno, Nevada, and it awarded 882 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,835 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $322. During the early years of their career, UNR graduates make an average of $43,406 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Nevada - Reno Report

#22

Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, California
918 Total Awards
$96,872 Average Earnings
$28,570 Avg Student Debt

Samuel Merritt University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #22 on the list. Samuel Merritt University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Oakland, California that handed out 918 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Samuel Merritt University accumulate an average of $28,570 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 $551 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.

Full Samuel Merritt University Report

#23

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
863 Total Awards
$45,826 Average Earnings
$18,150 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, San Diego State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. This large public school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 863 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SDSU accumulate an average of $18,150 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $251, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SDSU graduates make an average of $45,826 annually. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on San Diego State University

#24

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, California
832 Total Awards
$44,120 Average Earnings
$16,722 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Irvine landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Irvine, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 832 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UC Irvine accumulate an average of $16,722 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 $209. During the early years of their career, UC Irvine graduates make an average of $44,120 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Read full report on University of California - Irvine

815 Total Awards
$52,422 Average Earnings
$20,301 Avg Student Debt

California State University - East Bay came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Hayward, California, and it awarded 815 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,301 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $176. Once they receive their degree, Cal State East Bay graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,422 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Read full report on California State University - East Bay

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

National Holistic Institute

Emeryville, California
#27

California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#28

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California
#28

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#28

Washington State University

Pullman, Washington
#31

West Coast University - Los Angeles

North Hollywood, California
#32

Contra Costa Medical Career College

Antioch, California
#33

American Career College - Ontario

Ontario, California
#34

Fresno City College

Fresno, California
#35

American Career College - Anaheim

Anaheim, California
#36

West Coast University - Ontario

Ontario, California
#37

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
#37

Victor Valley College

Victorville, California
#39

California State University - Sacramento

Sacramento, California
#40

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada
#41

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
#42

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California
#44

University of California - San Diego

La Jolla, California
#46

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
#47

Pacific College of Health and Science

San Diego, California
#47

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
#50

University of the Pacific

Stockton, California

View Most Popular Healthcare Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA
52 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
53 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
54 High Desert Medical College Lancaster, CA
55 University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CA
56 California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA
57 United Education Institute-Huntington Park Campus Huntington Park, CA
58 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR
59 Portland State University Portland, OR
60 University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK
61 Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CA
62 Institute of Technology Clovis, CA
63 California Baptist University Riverside, CA
64 Concorde Career College - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
65 Pacific University Forest Grove, OR
66 California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CA
67 Pima Medical Institute - Renton Renton, WA
68 Butte College Oroville, CA
69 UEI College-Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA
70 Concorde Career College - San Diego San Diego, CA
71 University of California - Davis Davis, CA
72 United States University San Diego, CA
73 Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CA
74 City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
75 UEI College-Gardena Gardena, CA
76 West Coast Ultrasound Institute Beverly Hills, CA
77 Concorde Career College - Garden Grove Garden Grove, CA
78 American College of Healthcare Sciences Portland, OR
79 Pima Medical Institute - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
79 Downey Adult School Downey, CA
81 Chapman University Orange, CA
82 Southwestern College Chula Vista, CA

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular healthcare schools ranking:

Rank School Location
83 College of the Sequoias Visalia, CA
84 Seattle Central College Seattle, WA
85 UEI College-Riverside Riverside, CA
86 Palomar College San Marcos, CA
87 Stanbridge University Irvine, CA
88 Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CA
89 UEI College-Fresno Fresno, CA
90 Healthcare Career College Paramount, CA
90 Concorde Career College - North Hollywood North Hollywood, CA
92 Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CA
92 Nevada State College Henderson, NV
94 Portland Community College Portland, OR
95 Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, OR
96 UEI College-Sacramento Sacramento, CA
96 California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
98 Citrus College Glendora, CA
99 University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI
100 Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA
101 University of Western States Portland, OR
102 Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA
103 Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA
103 United Education Institute-Chula Vista Chula Vista, CA
103 United Education Institute-Encino Encino, CA
106 North-West College - West Covina West Covina, CA
107 United Education Institute-UEI College Stockton Stockton, CA
108 Bakersfield College Bakersfield, CA
109 Riverside City College Riverside, CA
110 Pima Medical Institute - Seattle Seattle, WA

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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