College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Region

205 Colleges in the Far Western US Region
28,627 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$85,367 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 28,627 degrees in nursing during the 2021-2022 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
772 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.3% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 772 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Samuel Merritt University in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Samuel Merritt University earn a boost of approximately $27,251 above the average income of nursing graduates.

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
229 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.2% Growth in Graduates

Loma Linda University is a good choice 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 roughly 228.99999999999997 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loma Linda University in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Loma Linda University get an earnings boost of around $35,507 over the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Loma Linda University

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

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

There were approximately 89 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Southern California earn $81,861 more than the standard nursing grad.

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
72 Nursing Degrees Awarded
94.4% Growth in Graduates

Every student who is interested in nursing has to take a look at Pacific College. Pacific College is a fairly small private for-profit college located in the medium-sized city of Costa Mesa.

There were approximately 72 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Pacific College in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Pacific College earn a boost of approximately $28,881 over the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Pacific College

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
311 Nursing Degrees Awarded
4.2% 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 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 311 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Seattle University earn $2,680 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Seattle University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
225 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$91,530 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 225 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of California - Los Angeles earn $6,163 more than the average nursing student.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
452 Nursing Degrees Awarded
1.8% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 452 nursing students who graduated with this degree at OHSU in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Oregon Health & Science University make $15,917 more than the typical nursing graduate.

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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
289 Nursing Degrees Awarded
10.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a very 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 roughly 289 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of Washington - Seattle Campus get $9,471 above the average 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
223 Nursing Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 223 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 get $29,569 above the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,289 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$95,567 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 1289 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 approximately $10,200 over the average earnings of nursing majors.

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

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
375 Nursing Degrees Awarded
83.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large 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 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were roughly 375 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Portland in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from University of Portland receive an earnings boost of around $6,366 over the average earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Portland

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
682 Nursing Degrees Awarded
33.9% 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 schools nationwide means USU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 682 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at United States University get $31,236 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from United States University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Nursing Degrees Awarded
36.8% Growth in Graduates

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 roughly 185 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Western University of Health Sciences in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Western University of Health Sciences receive an earnings boost of about $18,533 above the average earnings of nursing graduates.

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

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
493 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.5% Growth in Graduates

USFCA is a medium-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 493 nursing students who graduated with this degree at USFCA in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of San Francisco make $35,907 more than the standard nursing graduate.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
889 Nursing Degrees Awarded
23.5% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 889 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Azusa Pacific in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Azusa Pacific University get an earnings boost of about $17,302 over the average income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Azusa Pacific University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
295 Nursing Degrees Awarded
13.9% 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 schools nationwide means UNLV is a great university overall.

There were roughly 295 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UNLV in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of Nevada - Las Vegas get an earnings boost of about $8,623 above the typical income of nursing majors.

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

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
319 Nursing Degrees Awarded
32.3% Growth in Graduates

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 roughly 319 nursing students who graduated with this degree at MSMU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the nursing program report average early career earnings of $76,204.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
251 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.6% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 251 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Gonzaga in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Gonzaga University earn a boost of around $9,463 above the average earnings of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Gonzaga University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
88 Nursing Degrees Awarded
22.7% 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 schools nationwide means UC Irvine is a great university overall.

There were roughly 88 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UC Irvine in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of California - Irvine earn $5,651 more than the average nursing graduate.

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

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
307 Nursing Degrees Awarded
6.5% Growth in Graduates

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 approximately 307 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Roseman University of Health Sciences in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $71,355 in the first couple years of working.

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 data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Touro University Nevada earn $23,419 more than the typical nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Touro University Nevada

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
425 Nursing Degrees Awarded
16.2% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 425 nursing students who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from California State University - Long Beach make $13,697 more than the average nursing grad.

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

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

SDSU is a very large public university located in the 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 roughly 229 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 $9,425 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

24
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
415 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$88,491 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large 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 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 415 nursing students who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at National University make $3,124 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from National University

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$127,500 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a fairly 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 37 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from University of California - Davis receive an earnings boost of around $42,133 above the average income of nursing majors.

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

26
27
28
29
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.

RankCollegeLocation
31University of Nevada - RenoReno, NV
32Washington State UniversityPullman, WA
33Charles R Drew University of Medicine and ScienceLos Angeles, CA
34University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesSan Marcos, CA
35San Joaquin Delta CollegeStockton, CA
36California State University - San MarcosSan Marcos, CA
37Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied HealthLos Angeles, CA
38Brandman UniversityIrvine, CA
39California State University - Dominguez HillsCarson, CA
40West Coast University - OntarioOntario, CA
41University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI

Best Nursing Colleges by State

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

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
California33017,965
Washington3003,806
Oregon2661,502
Nevada1921,994
Hawaii164534
Alaska119177

View All Rankings >

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

Nursing Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
Registered Nursing25,069
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing1,208
Nursing Practice596
Nursing Administration523
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing280
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing236
Nursing Science225
Clinical Nurse Specialist138
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing130
Clinical Nurse Leader93

View All Nursing Concentrations >

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services19,921
Allied Health Professions11,943
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants10,180
Health & Medical Administrative Services9,011
Health Sciences & Services8,038
Public Health7,547
Dental Support Services6,022
Mental & Social Health Services4,719
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions3,825
Communication Sciences3,058

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options