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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region

205 Colleges in the Far Western US Region
26,717 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$85,206 Avg Early-Career Salary
Nursing is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #3 most popular major in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 205 schools in the Far Western US Region to determine which ones were the best for nursing students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 26,717 degrees in nursing during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Nursing School

Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region Your choice of nursing school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Nursing School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Nursing Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Nursing
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
Master's Degrees in Nursing
Doctor's Degrees in Nursing

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.


 

Best Schools for Nursing in the Far Western US Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the nursing degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Far Western US Region Schools in Nursing

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
739 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$112,618 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in nursing needs to take a look at Samuel Merritt University. Located in the large city of Oakland, Samuel Merritt University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 739 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Samuel Merritt University in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Samuel Merritt University make $27,411 more than the typical nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Samuel Merritt University

2
Loma Linda University crest
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
224 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$120,874 Median Starting Salary

Loma Linda University is a great option for students interested in a degree in nursing. Located in the large suburb of Loma Linda, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 224 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loma Linda University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Loma Linda University get $35,668 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Loma Linda University

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
100 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$167,228 Median Starting Salary

University of Southern California is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in nursing. USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 100 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Southern California earn a boost of about $82,022 over the typical income of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Southern California

4
Pacific College crest
Pacific College
Costa Mesa, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$114,248 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in nursing has to check out Pacific College. Pacific College is a small private for-profit college located in the city of Costa Mesa.

There were about 4 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Pacific College in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Pacific College earn $29,042 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Pacific College

5
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
298 Nursing Degrees Awarded
38.6% Growth in Graduates

Seattle U is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Seattle. This university ranks 2nd out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were roughly 298 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Seattle University earn $2,840 more than the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Seattle University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
252 Nursing Degrees Awarded
15.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 252 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of California - Los Angeles make $6,324 above the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of California - Los Angeles

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
444 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$101,284 Median Starting Salary

OHSU is a small public university located in the city of Portland.

There were approximately 444 nursing students who graduated with this degree at OHSU in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Oregon Health & Science University receive an earnings boost of about $16,077 over the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Oregon Health & Science University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
258 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were about 258 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at University of Washington - Seattle Campus earn $9,632 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$114,936 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of San Francisco, UCSF is a public university with a small student population.

There were approximately 191 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UCSF in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of California - San Francisco make $29,729 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of California - San Francisco

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,307 Nursing Degrees Awarded
26.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Anaheim, West Coast University - Orange County is a private for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 1307 nursing students who graduated with this degree at West Coast University - Orange County in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from West Coast University - Orange County earn a boost of about $10,360 over the typical earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from West Coast University - Orange County

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
62 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$91,733 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Portland, University of Portland is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 4th out of 30 schools for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were approximately 62 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Portland in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of Portland earn $6,527 more than the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Portland

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
451 Nursing Degrees Awarded
36.1% Growth in Graduates

USU is a small private for-profit university located in the large city of San Diego. A Best Colleges rank of #101 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 451 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USU in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from United States University make $31,397 more than the typical nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from United States University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
117 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$103,900 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Pomona, Western University of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 117 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Western University of Health Sciences in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Western University of Health Sciences receive $18,694 more than the average nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Western University of Health Sciences

14
USFCA crest
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
466 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$121,274 Median Starting Salary

USFCA is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of San Francisco. This university ranks 24th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 466 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USFCA in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at University of San Francisco make $36,067 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of San Francisco

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
680 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$102,669 Median Starting Salary

Azusa Pacific is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Azusa. This university ranks 43rd out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 680 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Azusa Pacific in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Azusa Pacific University get an earnings boost of around $17,463 above the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Azusa Pacific University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
254 Nursing Degrees Awarded
21.7% Growth in Graduates

UNLV is a fairly large public university located in the city of Las Vegas. A Best Colleges rank of #149 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UNLV is a great university overall.

There were roughly 254 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UNLV in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Nevada - Las Vegas receive an earnings boost of around $8,783 above the typical income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Nevada - Las Vegas

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$76,204 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Los Angeles, MSMU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 52nd out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 216 nursing students who graduated with this degree at MSMU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $76,204.

More information about a degree in nursing from Mount Saint Mary’s University

18
Gonzaga crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$94,829 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Spokane, Gonzaga is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were approximately 227 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Gonzaga in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Gonzaga University receive an earnings boost of about $9,623 above the typical income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Gonzaga University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.4% Growth in Graduates

UC Irvine is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Irvine. A Best Colleges rank of #61 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UC Irvine is a great university overall.

There were approximately 68 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UC Irvine in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of California - Irvine get an earnings boost of about $5,811 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of California - Irvine

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
287 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$71,355 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Henderson, Roseman University of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 287 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Roseman University of Health Sciences in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn around $71,355 for their early career.

More information about a degree in nursing from Roseman University of Health Sciences

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
130 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$108,786 Median Starting Salary

Touro University Nevada is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Henderson.

There were approximately 130 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Touro University Nevada in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Touro University Nevada make $23,579 above the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Touro University Nevada

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
356 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$99,064 Median Starting Salary

CSULB is a very large public university located in the city of Long Beach. This university ranks 28th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 356 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at California State University - Long Beach earn $13,857 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from California State University - Long Beach

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
249 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$94,792 Median Starting Salary

SDSU is a fairly large public university located in the large city of San Diego. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means SDSU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 249 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at San Diego State University earn $9,586 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from San Diego State University

24
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
423 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of San Diego, National University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 33rd out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 423 nursing students who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from National University get an earnings boost of about $3,284 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from National University

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
50 Nursing Degrees Awarded
26.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #52 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UC Davis is a great university overall.

There were roughly 50 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of California - Davis make $42,294 more than the typical nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of California - Davis

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region

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30

 

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region award.

Rank College Location
31 University of Nevada - Reno Reno, NV
32 Washington State University Pullman, WA
33 Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA
34 University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos, CA
35 San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CA
36 California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CA
37 Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health Los Angeles, CA
38 Brandman University Irvine, CA
39 California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CA
40 West Coast University - Ontario Ontario, CA
41 University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing schools for a specific state in the Far Western US Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
California 330 17,965
Washington 300 3,806
Oregon 266 1,502
Nevada 192 1,994
Hawaii 164 534
Alaska 119 177

View All Rankings >

Nursing is one of 34 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.

Nursing Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 23,437
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 922
Nursing Administration 541
Nursing Practice 483
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 328
Nursing Science 219
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 207
Clinical Nurse Specialist 190
Clinical Nurse Leader 139
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing 128

View All Nursing Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 17,752
Allied Health Professions 11,269
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 9,835
Health & Medical Administrative Services 9,016
Health Sciences & Services 8,237
Public Health 6,687
Dental Support Services 5,790
Mental & Social Health Services 4,229
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions 3,714
Communication Sciences 2,912

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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