2026 Best Individualized Studies Schools in the Far Western Region
Individualized Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 28 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for individualized studies students pursuing a degree.
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Featured Individualized Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AA in Liberal Arts
Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in General Studies
Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor's degree faster with this flexible online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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Best Schools for Individualized Studies in the Far Western Region
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the individualized studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Top Schools in Individualized Studies
Our analysis ranked California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo the best school in the country for a degree in individualized studies. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 18 individualized studies degrees were awarded at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent year. Individualized Studies graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $35,056 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $17,500.
Get the full individualized studies details for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State University Dominguez Hills is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in individualized studies, ranking #2. This large public university is located in the city of Carson. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. California State University Dominguez Hills awarded about 29 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $33,588. California State University Dominguez Hills graduates carry a median of $15,453 in student loans.
Get the full individualized studies details for California State University Dominguez Hills
A rank of #3 makes De Anza College one of the top schools for individualized studies. Set in the city of Cupertino, De Anza College is a very large public institution. About 12 individualized studies degrees were awarded at De Anza College in the most recent year. Typical student debt for the program is $7,271.
Read more about the individualized studies program at De Anza College
Foothill College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Los Altos Hills, Foothill College is a very large public institution. Foothill College awarded about 14 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Individualized Studies graduates of Foothill College earn a median of $94,152 early in their careers. Foothill College graduates carry a median of $11,595 in student loans.
See the full individualized studies program report for Foothill College
A rank of #5 makes Portland State University one of the top schools for individualized studies. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. Portland State University graduates 53% of students within six years. About 11 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Portland State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $23,253 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $30,250.
Get the full individualized studies details for Portland State University
Linn Benton Community College placed #6 among the best individualized studies schools. Located in the city of Albany, Linn Benton Community College is a moderately-sized public university. About 178 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Linn Benton Community College in the most recent year. Individualized Studies graduates of Linn Benton Community College earn a median of $24,383 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,636 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in individualized studies from Linn Benton Community College
Northwest Indian College placed #7 among the best individualized studies schools. Located in the suburb of Bellingham, Northwest Indian College is a small public university. Northwest Indian College graduates 9% of students within six years. About 75 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Northwest Indian College in the most recent year. Students who receive their individualized studies degree from Northwest Indian College earn around $25,182 in the first couple years of their career.
See the full individualized studies program report for Northwest Indian College
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 28 schools evaluated.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
