2027 College Rankings

Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)

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Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures
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Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)

About

A college degree is a huge investment, and a key measure of a college is how well it sets up a student for success after graduation. This Hidden Gem ranking list focuses on results that matter.

College Raptor’s ranking of colleges that improve students' economic futures evaluates accessibility for low-income households and key post-graduation outcomes, including post-graduation earnings, degree completion rate, and student loan repayment success.

Methodology

Equal weighting was given to following core pillars:

Lower income and Pell-eligible student accessibility
Degree completion rates
Career and earnings outcomes
Debt burden and repayment

Post-graduation earnings data was adjusted for local cost of living. Schools on this list must also meet College Raptor’s Hidden Gem criteria.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus	4287	82.95	920 – 1,220	13898	62979	#1 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA The University of Washington, Tacoma campus sits in the historic Union Station District, with views of Mount Rainier and the Port of Tacoma. The school offers up to Doctor's degrees and follows a quarter academic schedule....Read more Undergraduates 4,287 Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 920 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $13,898 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
2	University of Washington-Bothell Campus	5753	86.4	1,050 – 1,370	10777	62979	#2 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA The University of Washington, Bothell accepts 86% of applicants – 23% enroll and 86% stay on after finishing their first year. Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are the most popular undergraduate programs. Undergraduates 5,753 Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $10,777 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
3	Cal Poly Maritime Academy	804	95.01	1,010 – 1,210	19040	84676	#3 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) Cal Poly Maritime Academy Vallejo, CA Cal Maritime is one of the 23 campuses that make up the California State University system. Students learn on a training ship, known as the “Golden Bear,” that serves as a floating classroom and laboratory. Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer is the most popular area of study out of 8 programs. Undergraduates 804 Acceptance Rate 95.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,040 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,676
4	University of the Pacific	3097	69.05	1,200 – 1,480	31670	62672	#4 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) University of the Pacific Stockton, CA Located in Stockton, the University of the Pacific accepts 69% of applicants and charges $55 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at the University of the Pacific will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 3,097 Acceptance Rate 69.1% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $31,670 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,672
5	University of Portland	2814	91.78	1,200 – 1,380	30985	67913	#5 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) University of Portland Portland, OR A non selective school, the University of Portland accepted 7,100 of applicants, 10% of which enrolled. It’s a private Catholic University, sister to the University of Notre Dame, and affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross. 80% of undergraduates graduate within six years. Undergraduates 2,814 Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $30,985 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,913
6	Linfield University	1641	85.17	1,050 – 1,240	29936	70643	#6 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) Linfield University McMinnville, OR Linfield College became Linfield University in 2020, but the school has roots going back to 1858, when it was called the Baptist College of McMinnville. Its motto is “Connecting Learning, Life and Community.” Elementary Education and Teaching is the most popular program by far....Read more Undergraduates 1,641 Acceptance Rate 85.2% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $29,936 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $70,643
7	Mount Saint Mary's University	1733	73.13	910 – 1,120	27368	61335	#7 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, CA Based in Los Angeles, Mount Saint Mary's University’s acceptance rate is 73% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,733 Acceptance Rate 73.1% SAT Score 910 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $27,368 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,335
8	Dominican University of California	1058	52.1	--	37456	71477	#8 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA Founded in 1890, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest universities in California. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other is the most popular area of study. 99% of students receive institutional grants from the school....Read more Undergraduates 1,058 Acceptance Rate 52.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $37,456 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $71,477
9	Saint Martin's University	1189	93.45	970 – 1,240	29116	57998	#9 Best Colleges – Colleges that Improve Students' Economic Futures – Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA) Saint Martin's University Lacey, WA Located in Lacey, Saint Martin's University accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 99% of students attending Saint Martin's University will receive institutional grant aid. 74% of students......Read more Undergraduates 1,189 Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $29,116 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,998