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Top West Coast Colleges for Campus-Based Degrees

Updated | Julie Provost

University of California Los Angeles

Best College for Full-Time Undergraduate Students

The University of California Los Angeles is part of the 10-campus University of California system. As one of the Top West Coast Colleges for Campus-Based Degrees UCLA is unique in that it does not offer part-time enrollment or evening coursework for undergraduate degree programs.

Students must enroll full-time and attend daytime classes. The result is a high-quality degree earned from one of the country’s most prestigious universities in a minimal amount of time. UCLA has a 70% graduation rate. UCLA consistently ranks high in national “Best of” lists including:

  • #1 in Top Public Universities in America (Niche)
  • #20 in National Universities (US News)
  • #5 in Best Colleges for Veterans (US News)
  • #30 in Most Innovative Schools (US News)
  • #13 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (US News)
  • #1 in Top Public Schools (US News)
  • #19 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (US News)

Along with being a GI Bill approved school, UCLA participates in the Yellow Ribbon program and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Oregon State University

Best Kept Secret

Oregon State University offers an abundance of programs including more than 200 undergraduate-degree programs and over 85 online programs. As one of the Top West Coast Colleges for Campus-Based Degrees, Oregon State consistently receives top national accolades including:

  • #3 Best Online Colleges in America (Niche)
  • #4 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (US News)
  • #3 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs(US News)
  • #2 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs (US News)
  • #16 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs(US News)
  • #26 in Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America (Niche)

Oregon State University is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and offers credit for the CLEP exam. Oregon State also proudly offers college credit for military experience.

Western Washington University

Top Medium-Sized University

As one of the Top West Coast Colleges for Campus-Based Degrees, Western Washington University offers 160 academic programs and an energized campus community of approximately 15,000 students. Western Washington University has a 70% graduation rate and scores high on many “Best of” lists including:

  • #16 in Regional Universities West (US News)
  • #7 in Best Colleges for Veterans (US News)
  • #13 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (US News)
  • #38 in Best Value Schools (US News)
  • #4 in Top Public Schools (US News)
  • #5 in Top Public Universities in Washington (Niche)

Western Washington University is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and awards credit for the DSST exam. Western Washington University also proudly offers college credit for military experience.

Golden Gate University –  San Francisco

Maximum Military Benefits

Golden Gate University-SF is a 4-year, private university located in San Francisco, CA. Students at Golden Gate can enroll in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate degree programs. As one of the Top West Coast Colleges for Campus-Based Degrees, Golden Gate University-SF has a 70% graduation rate and scores high on many “Best of” lists including:

#1 School for Adult Learners at 4-Year Colleges (Washington Monthly)

#25 Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools (College Factual)

Golden Gate-SF offers a wide range of military benefits including a military discount or reduced tuition for military and veterans. Golden Gate-SF is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and offers credit for both the DSST and the CLEP exam. Golden Gate-SF also proudly offers college credit for military experience.

Contra Costa College

Best 2-Year College

Contra Costa College is a public community college. Contra Costa College offers associates degrees and certificates in an extensive list of program majors, including for students looking to transfer to four-year institutions. As one of the Top West Coast Colleges for Campus-Based Degrees, it also offers vocational and training programs through its Career Technical Education program.

The CCC community college student demographics: 85% are low- or middle-low income and 39% are first in their family to go to college. Contra Costa College is a GI Bill approved school and it offers credit for the CLEP exam. Contra Costa College also offers college credit for military experience.

Claremont Colleges System

Best Liberal Arts College

The distinction of Best Liberal Arts College goes to not just one but five schools. Clustered both geographically and academically, the seven Claremont Colleges—five undergraduate and two graduate campuses—enable their students to attend a small college while enjoying the benefits a “big school” seven-college consortium. The Claremont Colleges allow for cross-enrollment in classes and have 5 liberal arts undergraduate colleges to choose from.

  • Pomona College is the founding member of The Claremont Colleges. Pomona offers a traditional liberal arts program. Pomona ranks high on many “Best of” lists including:

#1 Most Diverse Colleges in America (Niche)

#1 Best Small Colleges in America (Niche)

#1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America (Niche)

Pomona College is a GI Bill approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

  • Scripps College is an undergraduate women’s college. Scripps is well known for its core curriculum in the humanities and its emphasis on interdisciplinary study. Scripps ranks high on many “Best of” lists including:

#6 Best Women’s Colleges in America (Niche)

#25 Best Colleges for Communications in America (Niche)

Scripps College is a GI Bill approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Scripps also awards college credits for the CLEP exam.

  • Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective, co-educational, liberal arts college educating leaders in business and public affairs. Claremont McKenna Claremont ranks high on many “Best of” lists including:

#4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America (Niche)

#5 Best Small Colleges in America (Niche)

#10 Best Colleges for International Relations in America (Niche)

McKenna College is a GI Bill approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Claremont McKenna College also proudly offers college credit for military experience.

 #35 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (US News)

#42 in Most Innovative Schools (US News)

Pitzer College is a GI Bill approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

  • Harvey Mudd College is a coeducational liberal arts college that integrates STEM and liberal arts courses. Harvey Mudd College ranks high on many “Best of” lists including:

#6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America (Niche)

#7 Best Small Colleges in America (Niche)

#9 Best Value Colleges in America (Niche)

Harvey Mudd College is a GI Bill approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

 

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About the author

Julie Provost
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Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.

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